FAR Northerners facing mental health challenges will benefit from a re-elected Turnbull Coalition Team with the announcement today of a $60,000 commitment to The Junction Clubhouse.
Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the funding would enable The Junction to upgrade the kitchen facilities at its new premises to a commercial standard, providing a range of benefits to Clubhouse members and the local community.
“The Junction Clubhouse plays a key role for people with a mental illness in Cairns,” Mr Entsch said. “The model takes a whole-of-life approach, supporting people to rebuild their life and become participating members of the community.
“It’s been so popular that The Junction outgrew its former premises and earlier this year it was very fortunate to be gifted a property in Miller Street, Parramatta Park, which is perfect for their requirements.
“However it is quite run-down, so an upgrade to a commercial kitchen will enable The Junction to expand to cater for increasing member demand and they can also start catering to the public.”
The upgrade will include painting, plumbing reconfiguration, a rewiring upgrade, new flooring, as well as the purchase of stainless steel benches, shelving and sinks and a commercial dishwasher and stove.
“There are a number of businesses in the immediate area who are currently not catered for with coffee or lunches, and the kitchen will also encourage community interaction and connectedness, reduce stigma and – very importantly – generate income for The Junction and help it to become more self-sufficient,” Mr Entsch said.
The Junction Clubhouse has been delivering psychosocial rehabilitation support to people with a mental illness in Cairns since December 2014.
It was established with the assistance of a $350,000 grant announced by Mr Entsch during the 2013 election campaign.
Working with the Minister for Health, Sussan Ley MP, Mr Entsch was also recently able to assist the Junction with a $468,000 grant to enable it to transition to new federal funding arrangements from July 1.
“The Turnbull Coalition Team is dedicated to building stronger communities across Australia,” Mr Entsch said. “We understand that by investing in projects such as this one, we help grow a more vibrant and viable community.”
