Better health and ageing for all Australians

Media Releases

$1.3 million for new Lifeline services in rural Australia

People living in Karratha and Alice Springs will soon have access to the counselling services of Lifeline the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson announced today.

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26 April 2002
KP36/02

$1.3 million for new Lifeline services in rural Australia

People living in Karratha and Alice Springs will soon have access to the counselling services of Lifeline the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson announced today.

Senator Patterson said Lifeline would receive $1.3 million for a range of new services.

Senator Patterson said: "People living in rural and regional areas suffer the same personal problems as people living in cities, however they generally have less access to counselling services.

"In many cases, people live in isolated areas where finding people to talk to about their problems is very difficult.

"This funding is significant because it will be used to establish two new rural centres in Karratha, Western Australia and Alice Springs, Northern Territory, where there is currently no Lifeline presence."

Senator Patterson said the funding would also allow Lifeline to also establish up to six new sub-centres, a call overflow centre and provide better training services to rural Australia.

Senator Patterson said: "Ultimately we will improve the quality of health service delivery to these areas, and also build community capacity through the provision of training to local volunteers.

"Lifeline is committed to providing quality health services to people in rural and remote region.

"I am delighted to make this funding available so that communities receive new and improved access to important Lifeline services."

Media Contact: Emma Handyside, Minister Patterson's Office, 0413 307 840