Greg Inglis’ Goanna Academy is set to expand its mental health education programs, thanks to a significant funding boost aimed at supporting at-risk individuals. The funding, totaling $6.4 million over three years, was announced by the Labor Party on Monday, contingent upon their election victory. The funds will assist the Indigenous-owned, headspace-endorsed provider in its mission to end the stigma surrounding mental health and improve communication on the subject.
The Goanna Academy’s initiatives focus on building resilience and promoting wellbeing among some of Australia’s most vulnerable groups, including regional men, youth, and First Nations communities. The expansion will extend the Academy’s reach beyond New South Wales and Queensland, addressing the mental health needs of more Australians.
The funding will also support the launch of a new pilot program called ‘Goanna Champions.’ This initiative will train First Nations community leaders to deliver mental health education and provide support within their own communities.
Founded in 2020 by former NRL legend and Dunghutti man, Greg Inglis, Goanna Academy is Australia’s first accredited Indigenous-owned mental health education provider. The Academy is dedicated to creating positive change in the mental health landscape, especially for First Nations Australians.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that more Australians, particularly those in regional and remote areas, have access to mental health support. She stated that the investment in Goanna Academy would enhance the delivery of vital mental health services to a wider audience, helping people to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, also praised the funding, noting that it would allow Goanna Academy to expand its programs and reach more communities across the country. “This funding boost will support their efforts to improve mental health, particularly for First Nations Australians,” she said.
