Media Release: Head to Health service officially opens in Kingaroy

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN, in partnership with Open Minds, was delighted to announce the official opening of Kingaroy Head to Health on Wednesday at 98 Kingaroy Street, Kingaroy 4610. The Hon. Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention cut the ribbon to formally mark the opening of the new service.

The Kingaroy Head to Health centre was established to offer immediate, walk-in support for people experiencing distress or crisis. Head to Health centres provide welcoming and low-stigma entry to mental health support through assessment and warm referrals to appropriate local services.

Kingaroy Head to Health, which soft opened in December 2023, will be open Mondays to Thursdays from 10:00am to 6:00pm and on Fridays from 10:00am to 3:00pm (excluding public holidays).

This face-to-face Head to Health centre in Kingaroy will complement the existing national Head to Health Assessment and Referral Phone Service, which has been operational in the Darling Downs and West Moreton region since July 2022, and can be reached on 1800 595 212. The launch of Kingaroy Head to Health will mean that people in South Burnett can choose to either call or walk in to access Head to Health services.

The establishment of Kingaroy Head to Health has been driven by a comprehensive co-design process involving local GPs, service providers, representatives from Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service, community members, and people with a lived or living experience of mental health concerns.

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN CEO, Lucille Chalmers, recognises the importance of this service for our region.

“We know that mental health is a key priority in South Burnett and across our region, and that our communities need support with their mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety.

Head to Health can offer direct support to those with immediate need but will also connect people to other mental health services across the region.”

“Introducing a mental health service now will support people following the holiday season, when we know there can be an increased need for the type of support Head to Health offers.”

Hon. Emma McBride, Assistant MP for Mental Health, and Suicide Prevention, reflected on the significance of mental health support, and Head to Health services across Australia.

“Many Australians don’t know where to turn if they, or a loved one, are struggling with their mental health.”

That’s why we’re building a network of Head to Health services in Queensland and right across the nation.”

“So support is readily available, when and where people need it - free of charge and without an appointment,” she said.

The Kingaroy Head to Health centre will be operated by Open Minds, who are also delivering services through Ipswich Head to Health.

Open Minds Chief Executive Officer, Kate Johnson, said Open Minds is pleased to provide a welcoming space co-designed with the Kingaroy community to access quality mental health and crisis support.

“We are extremely motivated to improve the mental health of people in the South Burnett region communities and are honoured to provide alternatives to hospitals and GPs for people needing support,” said Kate.

The Kingaroy Head to Health centre is free and available to people in South Burnett of all ages. No referral or appointment is necessary. For more information, click here.