The Times Australia
The Times Politics

.

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.”

Times Magazine

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

The Times Features

Is our mental health determined by where we live – or is it the other way round? New research sheds more light

Ever felt like where you live is having an impact on your mental health? Turns out, you’re not imagining things. Our new analysis[1] of eight years of data from the New Zeal...

Going Off the Beaten Path? Here's How to Power Up Without the Grid

There’s something incredibly freeing about heading off the beaten path. No traffic, no crowded campsites, no glowing screens in every direction — just you, the landscape, and the...

West HQ is bringing in a season of culinary celebration this July

Western Sydney’s leading entertainment and lifestyle precinct is bringing the fire this July and not just in the kitchen. From $29 lobster feasts and award-winning Asian banque...

What Endo Took and What It Gave Me

From pain to purpose: how one woman turned endometriosis into a movement After years of misdiagnosis, hormone chaos, and major surgery, Jo Barry was done being dismissed. What beg...

Why Parents Must Break the Silence on Money and Start Teaching Financial Skills at Home

Australia’s financial literacy rates are in decline, and our kids are paying the price. Certified Money Coach and Financial Educator Sandra McGuire, who has over 20 years’ exp...

Australia’s Grill’d Transforms Operations with Qlik

Boosting Burgers and Business Clean, connected data powers real-time insights, smarter staffing, and standout customer experiences Sydney, Australia, 14 July 2025 – Qlik®, a g...