Tuesday, 5 April 2022

QSpace

Ms COUZENS (Geelong) (13:06): I was pleased to officially launch QSpace Geelong, a free specialist counselling service for LGBTIQ+ people and their families. QSpace Geelong is being delivered by Drummond Street Services and its community partners. I want to acknowledge and thank Karen Field, the CEO of Drummond Street Services, for her passion and commitment, and give a huge thanks to Jo Bangles for hosting the launch at Splatters, the first Australian cheese train and a venue that is well known as being a safe space for the LGBTIQ+ community.

Geelong QSpace is part of the $2.5 million investment by the Andrews government to make sure LGBTIQ+ Victorians feel safe and valued. QSpace Geelong began operating in August last year, and so far many LGBTIQ people have received support through one-on-one sessions, family counselling support and group programs. We know that LGBTIQ+ Victorians are more likely to experience mental health issues, and the added stress of the pandemic has made support and connection with family and friends more important than ever. We also know that in regional locations, especially within smaller communities, it has been increasingly difficult for LGBTIQ+ Victorians to access the right support from qualified and experienced workers. We want to make sure that everyone, regardless of where they live, has access to mental health and wellbeing support.