Barossa Village and Lifeline Regional SA and Far West NSW have announced a major collaboration to deliver free, walk-in mental health support in the Barossa. The initiative is supported by the Enhance Barossa Mental Health (EBMH) Steering Committee.
The first step will see the Barossa Village OpShop at 24a Murray Street, Nuriootpa become a Lifeline OpShop. All profits will help fund Lifeline’s crisis services. Over time, the space will be developed into Australia’s first co-branded Lifeline Connect Centre—offering free, no-referral psychological support for people in distress.
The need for mental health support in the region continues to grow:
- 10.3% of Barossa residents live with a long-term mental health condition—above the national average of 8.8%.
- In Angaston–Penrice, more than one-third of residents report mental health issues.
- Suicide rates are higher in the Barossa than in Greater Adelaide, especially among adult men.
- Local GPs say around 40% of their consultations now involve mental health concerns.
Dr Bill Gransbury, Chair of the EBMH Steering Committee, helped bring together Barossa Village CEO Ben Hall and Lifeline Regional SA and Far West NSW CEO Robert Martin. The Steering Committee continues to support the development of the partnership.
Community involvement is key. Shopping, donating, and volunteering at the Lifeline OpShop will directly support this initiative and help provide critical mental health support across the region.
The Lifeline OpShop is expected to open in the coming months. The full Connect Centre will be developed over time.
