A community along the New South Wales South Coast is expressing deep concern over the potential closure of a mental health and welfare center, fearing it could lead to an increase in youth suicides. This proposal is part of several budgetary reductions approved by Kiama Council aimed at addressing a significant financial shortfall. The council’s preliminary budget is expected to be available for public review later this month.
Parents and mental health experts in the region are alarmed by the possible shutdown of the youth center, which they believe would adversely affect young individuals and contribute to higher suicide rates. Penny Rushby-Smith, a mother from Gerringong, stated, “Eliminating a vital service that provides free mental health support could have dangerous implications.” Her 15-year-old son, Felix, has benefitted from Kiama SENTRAL Youth Services for three years, receiving assistance during his transition to high school.
Founded in 1993, this council-operated facility delivers free support in various areas, including mental health, domestic violence, homelessness, and extracurricular activities to numerous local teenagers. Rushby-Smith emphasized the importance of having a reliable adult for her son to seek advice from during challenging times, adding, “As a parent, it’s reassuring to know I can also reach out to the youth workers for guidance.”
The youth center is at risk of closure in the coming months as part of Kiama Council’s effort to tackle a $4.5 million deficit. The council is mandated to achieve a balanced budget by June 2027 under a Performance Improvement Order (PIO) from the Office of Local Government (OLG), or it may face administrative intervention. Proposed cuts include defunding the youth service, reducing library hours, leasing vehicles back, and minimizing maintenance of sports fields along with non-essential staffing.
Dr. Travis Flinn, a former psychologist and youth worker with the NSW Department of Juvenile Justice, has also expressed his fears about the impact of closing the youth center on local suicide rates. He has urged the state government to intervene, stating, “The removal of the only free support service for young people in the area could lead to additional suicides. Limited access to youth services contributes to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, which can escalate to suicidal thoughts.”
Dr. Flinn, a Kiama resident, noted that the community is still grieving the loss of five individuals to suicide in a short span in 2020. He criticized the council’s decision as being insensitive to the ongoing pain and fear of future tragedies within the community. He highlighted the positive changes he witnessed in clients he referred to the Kiama SENTRAL Youth Service from 2000 to 2010.
While the closure of the SENTRAL center would diminish local mental health resources, access to Headspace and other private practices remains available. Acting Kiama Mayor Melissa Matters, who tragically lost her 18-year-old son Sam to suicide in 2020, understands the profound grief associated with such losses. “He had so much potential ahead of him,” she reflected. Despite her personal experience, she was among the majority of council members who supported the funding cuts for the youth service, stating, “We don’t want these services to end, but we must achieve a balanced budget, and tough decisions were necessary.” She also welcomed any potential state government support to sustain such health-based services.
The proposed budget will be opened for public feedback following the council’s regular meeting later this month.
