Thursday, 19 February 2026

 Anthony CARBINES (Ivanhoe – Minister for Police, Minister for Community Safety, Minister for Victims, Minister for Racing) (10:03): I am really pleased that residents in my Ivanhoe electorate and across the northern suburbs now have better access to mental health support and care, thanks to investment of $16.8 million from the Allan government, since we opened our new youth prevention and recovery care centre in Heidelberg on the repat site. It is a voluntary, referral-based centre and it supports young people aged between 15 and 25 to access specialist, round-the-clock mental health care in a residential environment. The YPARCs provide early intervention and clinical care at a really important point in people’s lives. It is stepping in before the crisis escalates and reducing the need for hospital admission. It was co-designed by clinicians, carers and young people with lived experience, and it provides a great therapeutic environment.

I am really pleased that our government has been able to fulfil a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. This service will be operated by Austin Health in partnership with Mind Australia, and the centre will be staffed by clinicians and lived-experience workers. It is expected to support some 200 young people annually. The purpose-built centre features 10 private bedrooms, a communal kitchen and dining area and breakout spaces, creating a therapeutic home-like environment that promotes recovery and connection for people. It is part of a $141 million investment across the state in these centres. I am really pleased we have ours opened in Heidelberg. I am really looking forward to the great care the clinicians will provide at Austin Health there in Heidelberg, and I wish them well.