headspace Deception Bay Archives

First Nations Youth Mental Health Service Opens In Deception Bay

A youth mental health service in Deception Bay is now providing culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people across Brisbane and the Moreton Bay region.

The service, known as Staying Deadly | headspace Deception Bay, offers support for young people aged 10 to 25 who are experiencing, or may be at risk of, mild to moderate mental health concerns. It is located on the lands of the Kabi Kabi people along Deception Bay Road.

The centre provides free access to a range of health and wellbeing services designed to support young people and their families in a culturally safe environment.

Culturally Focused Youth Support In Deception Bay

The Deception Bay service has been described as a headspace model in an urban setting with a strong focus on care for First Nations young people.

Support is available across several areas including mental health care, physical and sexual health, assistance with work and study, and counselling related to alcohol and other drug use.

Young people can walk into the centre or contact the service directly to seek help, with no referral required. Practitioners may meet young people at the centre or within community settings depending on individual needs.

Deception Bay youth mental health — Photo Credit: Brisbane North PHN

Community-Based Care Model

The centre operates with a multidisciplinary team including mental health clinicians, health practitioners and care coordinators from the local community. Identified Indigenous roles are included in the workforce to strengthen cultural understanding and trust.

Programs delivered through the centre include cultural connection activities, community-led programs and early intervention support designed to help young people access assistance before concerns escalate.

Instead of a formal intake process, the service begins with a “connection yarn”, a conversation that focuses on building trust and understanding between young people and practitioners from the first interaction.

Addressing Youth Mental Health Needs

The service was established to strengthen mental health literacy and encourage young people to seek support earlier when they experience distress.

National data referenced in service information indicates suicide rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain more than twice those of non-Indigenous Australians, with almost 80 per cent of deaths occurring among people aged 15 to 44.

By providing culturally grounded care within the community, the Deception Bay service aims to improve access to mental health support for young people across the region.

Part Of A National Youth Mental Health Network

The centre forms part of the national headspace network of youth mental health services.

Across Australia there are currently 175 headspace centres, with plans to expand the network to 203 locations.

The Deception Bay service was commissioned by Brisbane North Primary Health Network and is delivered through a partnership with the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health and the headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation.

The centre operates Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., providing walk-in support as well as scheduled appointments.

Published 12-Mar-2026

New First Nations Mental Health Hub Opens in Deception Bay

Photo Credit: Brisbane North PHN/Facebook

A new headspace centre designed specifically for First Nations youth is set to open in Deception Bay, providing culturally safe mental health support for young people in the Moreton Bay region.

A Groundbreaking Initiative for First Nations Youth

A new headspace centre, named Staying Deadly | headspace Deception Bay, is set to open in Deception Bay, aiming to address the mental health needs of First Nations youth in the Moreton Bay region. As an Australia-first initiative, it will provide culturally safe support, care, and connection tailored specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

The new service, located on the lands of the Kabi Kabi people at 665 Deception Bay Road, will be operated by the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH). Expected to open during the 2025-26 financial year, it will be the first headspace in the country designed specifically for First Nations young people.

First Nations Mental Health Hub — *Photo Credit: Brisbane North PHN/Facebook*

Addressing Mental Health Challenges in the Community

The suicide rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is more than double that of the general community, highlighting the urgent need for culturally appropriate support. The Deception Bay service will offer a range of mental health support, focusing on increasing literacy, boosting help-seeking behaviours, and reducing suicidal and psychological distress.

To achieve this, the centre will employ care coordinators with lived experience, specialist mental health clinicians, and other health practitioners. The aim is to walk alongside the community, offering holistic support and guidance to help young people achieve their goals.

According to IUIH CEO Wayne Ah Boo, the Staying Deadly approach prioritises mental health “our way,” ensuring services reflect community goals and support healthy, resilient young people.

Community and Government Support

Local officials Malarndirri McCarthy and Emma McBride both emphasised the importance of having accessible, culturally safe mental health care for First Nations youth. They highlighted that the funding is part of a broader commitment to expanding headspace services nationwide.

The government have invested over $300 million to increase the number of headspace centres to 174 by 2026, including 91 in regional areas. The Deception Bay hub will join existing First Nations-focused headspace services in Mt Isa, Broome, and Alice Springs.

Deception Bay mental health — *Photo Credit: Brisbane North PHN/Facebook*

A Community-Driven Approach

Staying Deadly | headspace Deception Bay was shaped by community feedback, emphasising the need for a service that aligns with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values. It will also be part of the IUIH network’s integrated care system, aiming to foster strong, healthy children, families, and communities.

Next Steps for the New Service

The centre’s opening is slated for the 2025-26 financial year. It is expected to significantly impact the well-being of young First Nations people in the Deception Bay area. It aims to be a welcoming, supportive environment where youth can access mental, physical, and sexual health services, work and study support, and guidance on alcohol—and drug-related issues.

Online support will remain available through eheadspace for those who prefer remote assistance.

Published 2-Apr-2025

Deception Bay Gains New First Nations Youth Mental Health Service

Photo Credit: The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health/ Facebook

A new mental health service designed to support First Nations youth has opened in Deception Bay. This addresses the critical need for culturally appropriate care in the north Brisbane and Moreton Bay regions.

Addressing Community Needs

The “Staying Deadly | headspace Deception Bay” facility, located on Kabi Kabi land at 665 Deception Bay Road, aims to assist young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 12 to 25. The service responds to the heightened demand for mental health support in the area, specifically tailored to the unique needs of First Nations individuals.

Officials stated that the service intends to enhance mental health awareness, encourage help-seeking behaviours, and alleviate suicidal and psychological distress through culturally sensitive support delivered on Country. The service will address mental health, physical and sexual health, employment and education, and substance use.

Service Delivery and Funding

The Albanese Labor Government funds the new headspace service through the Brisbane North Primary Health Network, which the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health manages. This is the fourth headspace in Australia operated by an Indigenous provider, joining existing services in Mt Isa, Broome, and Alice Springs.

The government has committed over $300 million to expanding the headspace network to 174 locations nationwide by 2026, including 91 in regional areas, to meet the rising demand for youth mental health services. A further $27.1 million has been allocated to grow the Early Career Program at Headspace, supporting graduate placements and student internships to boost service capacity and reduce wait times.

Focus on Cultural Safety

Government representatives stressed the importance of culturally safe and welcoming environments for Indigenous youth. They noted that the suicide rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is more than double that of the wider community, making targeted support essential.

The new facility will offer a supportive atmosphere for First Nations young people. Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders should know that assistance is always available. For those who prefer online support, Headspace remains accessible via phone or website.

Published Date 04-March-2025