Estimates Replies

Mount Gambier Mental Health Services

In reply to Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (18 July 2014) (Estimates Committee A) (First Session).

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries):

1. The Junction in Mount Gambier is one of several Mental Health Activity and Resource Centres (MHARCs) across country South Australia. It is a non-government organisation staffed by volunteers and supported in kind by Country Health SA Local Health Network through provision of the building, payment of utilities costs and providing staff to deliver some specific educational and therapeutic programs. A volunteer coordinator works two days a week to coordinate activities. Country Health SA Local Health Network has not forgone funding for this service.

In 2009, Country Health SA Local Health Network provided seed funding to the One Voice Network for two years for the period 1 July, 2009 to 30 June, 2011. The funding was for the employment of coordinators in each of the MHARCs. One Voice Network was advised in writing that the funding would be provided for a period of two consecutive years only to enable One Voice Network to establish its processes and governance arrangements and secure financial support from other sectors. Country Health SA Local Health Network does not intend to reinstate the funding to One Voice Network at this time.

The $778,916 figure quoted is actually $778,916,000 and represents the total budgeted expense of Country Health SA Local Health Network for 2014-15. All funding is allocated to deliver the range of health and aged care services across country South Australia including Mental Health services.

2. The provision of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery services across country South Australia remains an ongoing challenge given the vast geographical factors, demographics and individual consumer need. Country Health SA Local Health Network is employing a number of strategies to support people who experience mental illness to continue on their recovery journeys and contribute to and engage with their local communities. For example, a number of non-government organisations are contracted through a state-wide procurement process to provide psychosocial support to consumers across the state in partnerships with local community mental health teams. New services offering community based rehabilitation have been established in Whyalla and Mount Gambier to assist consumers gain or re-gain independent living skills. These services complement the activities of non-government services such as The Junction. In kind support is provided to other local groups in a manner similar to The Junction.