Northern Rivers Safe Havens Extended Until End of 2025

By Robert Heyward

Residents of the Northern Rivers region will continue to have access to vital mental health support and counselling services, thanks to the extension of all four Safe Havens across the area until December 2025. These Safe Havens, located in Lismore, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, and Woodburn, offer free, compassionate, and nonclinical mental health support for adults in a welcoming “drop-in” environment.

Originally commissioned in 2022 by Healthy North Coast as part of the NSW Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Flood Recovery Package, the Safe Havens were established in response to the devastating foods that hit the Northern Rivers region. Since their inception, these centres, operated by The Buttery, have provided over 15,600 hours of counselling to more than 14,400 participants.

The extension was announced by The Hon Rose Jackson, Minister for Mental Health and North Coast, during a visit to the Mullumbimby Safe Haven. She emphasized the importance of these services to the community, particularly in the aftermath of the region’s recent natural disasters.

“The mental health and wellbeing of every individual is a top priority, and the NSW Government is committed to improved mental health outcomes on the North Coast.

The extension of these four Safe Haven sites is crucial—they’ve been embraced by the Northern Rivers community not just for the expert mental health support they provide, but as safe and welcoming spaces during times of disruption,” Minister Jackson said. “We are pleased to keep these services running until the end of 2025.”

Monika Wheeler, CEO of Healthy North Coast, highlighted the ongoing need for these services: “More than 700 people connected with the Safe Havens during June alone, showing us that these services are still essential for the community. With foods and droughts expected to increase in intensity and frequency, it is vitally important that Safe Haven services remain available to those still feeling the impact of the 2022 food events.”

Healthy North Coast, in collaboration with the NSW Government, has adjusted service activities under the funding agreement to ensure the Safe Havens will remain open until 31 December 2025. These sites will continue to offer both clinical and non-clinical support to the community from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Leone Crayden, CEO of The Buttery, expressed her gratitude for the extension, noting the importance of the Safe Havens to the community. “It is welcome news that we can continue to keep the doors open at the four Safe Haven sites until 31 December 2025. The counselling and wellbeing support have been very well received, and our co-location