headspace Albury Wodonga has marked 10 years of providing vital mental health support to young people and their families.
The milestone was celebrated with an event where attendees reflected on the kindness, advocacy and growth of the community-led initiative.
Guests included valued members of partner organsiations and key individuals involved in the centre’s establishment, who explored a photo series timeline of milestones. The event featured speeches from Gateway Health CEO Trent Dean, headspace National CEO Jason Trethowan, Asha Romeril, representing youth-voice and Program Manager, Leah Tylee. The evening commenced with a warm Welcome to Country performed by proud Dhudhuroa and Yorta Yorta man Derek Murray.
headspace Albury Wodonga was established following years of strategic planning and advocacy by lead agency Gateway Health and the extensive grassroots campaign “Albury-Wodonga Needs a headspace” which saw the local community rally for accessible youth mental health services.
Since opening its doors in 2015, the centre has welcomed more than 4600 young people and provided more than 23,500 sessions for young people and their families, offering crucial support during some of life’s most challenging moments.
“Our headspace centres play a vital role in supporting young people across the region, and Gateway Health is proud to continue leading the program on the Border and in the North East,” Gateway Health CEO Trent Dean said.
“This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the strong community support and advocacy that helped establish the centre 10 years ago, as well as the deep connections headspace continues to have in the community today. As we celebrate this achievement, we’re also looking ahead—focusing on sustainability, expansion, and meeting the growing demand for these essential services in the region.”
Over the past decade, the team has navigated significant challenges, including funding cuts, devastating bushfires, and a global pandemic, yet their dedication to young people has never wavered. In 2020, their impact expanded with the launch of headspace Wangaratta, further extending their reach to regional youth.
Alongside direct service delivery, headspace Albury Wodonga has been a leader in mental health awareness and education, working tirelessly to promote early help-seeking and reduce stigma. Their engagement with schools, local organisations, and families has strengthened mental health literacy, ensuring young people know where to turn to for support.
“Despite challenges in mental health funding, our team remains committed to ensuring young people have access to the support they need,” Program Manager at headspace Albury Wodonga Leah Tylee said.
“This milestone is a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come—and the work that inevitably lies ahead. It is also a chance to celebrate the young people and their families who for 10 years have trusted headspace for support when they’ve needed it most.”
Looking ahead, the centre will focus on expanding its reach, reducing barriers to mental health care, and ensuring that every young person who needs support can access it. Future plans include strengthening partnerships with local schools, increasing peer-led initiatives and enhancing digital mental health resources.
As demand for mental health services continues to grow, the need for sustained funding and outreach is more urgent than ever. headspace Albury Wodonga calls on government bodies, businesses and the community to continue advocating for youth mental health, ensuring young people receive the help they deserve when they need it most.
About headspace
headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12–25-year-olds. headspace Albury Wodonga is proudly supported by lead agency Gateway Health. headspace has more than 150 centres across Australia in metropolitan, regional and remote areas, as well as online and phone support services through eheadspace. headspace can help young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health) alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support. Centre details, as well as factsheets and resources for young people and their families and friends, can be located on the headspace website: headspace.org.au
