New Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Centre opens in Adelaide
First Nations people in South Australia will have a dedicated social and emotional wellbeing centre designed for their needs, with an interim service open by the end of 2025.
The Albanese and Malinauskas governments are jointly funding the centre under the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.
Located in the Adelaide CBD, the centre will coordinate mental health support and wellbeing care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and children across SA.
It will provide holistic, culturally safe and appropriate care, including traditional healing methods.
Staff will help coordinate care, including referrals to community mental health services, social and emotional wellbeing services, primary care services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
The Centre’s design and model of care was developed following extensive consultation with Aboriginal communities in SA and the South Australian mental health sector.
People will be at the heart of the centre, with services provided to strengthen their social and emotional wellbeing.
Under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, all governments have committed to ensuring First Nations people have the highest possible standard of social and emotional wellbeing.
The Australian and South Australian Governments have committed a total of $10.8 million to establish the centre.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy: said
“Our government is committed to improving the mental health, social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations people.
Tailored, sensitive and culturally informed approaches are required for First Nations people and communities.
This new centre demonstrates our commitment to co-design with states to deliver coordinated, holistic, and culturally safe care that supports the mental health and wellbeing of First Nations people.”
Assistant Minister Kearney: said
“We know that suicide has a devastating impact on First Nations families and communities, and the Albanese Labor Government is committed to making mental health and suicide prevention a national priority.
“Good healthcare is about trust, understanding, and ensuring people feel safe when they seek support. As a former nurse, I know that culturally appropriate care isn’t just beneficial – it’s essential.
“First Nations people face unique mental health challenges, often shaped by intergenerational trauma, discrimination, and systemic barriers. That’s why we must listen to communities, invest in culturally safe services, and support First Nations-led solutions. Mental health care must be accessible, responsive and built on trust.”
Assistant Minister McBride: said
“The ‘Closing the Gap’ report shows that health outcomes for First Nations people fall far behind the wider population.
“The Albanese and Malinauskas governments are working with First Nations people to support their social and emotional wellbeing, including by opening the new Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Centre in Adelaide.
“This centre will provide culturally safe and appropriate care in an environment created by First Nations people for First Nations people.”
SA Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton: said
“Aboriginal people are sadly over represented when it comes to mental health conditions and the impact of suicide.
“We thank the Albanese Government for their cooperation and support for mental health in our state. This new centre will have a real and lasting impact on mental health and wellbeing for Aboriginal people in our state.
“This builds upon the work we are doing together with new mental health clinics in the city, Elizabeth, Mount Barker, Mount Gambier and Port Pirie.”
SA Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher: said
“Our government continues to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South Australians so we can deliver better services and make more informed decisions.
“This dedicated centre will be designed with the input of the Aboriginal community and be tailored to the community’s specific needs.”
