THE Griffith community will now play a waiting game after a petition lobbying for a new mental health service for youth was tabled in parliament this week.
Member for Riverina Michael McCormack tabled the petition for a Headspace centre to be built in Griffith in federal parliament on Wednesday.
"Headspace is a great initiative which is helping address growing mental health needs throughout regional areas right around the country," Mr McCormack said.
"It is vital we get a further headspace facility built at Griffith to service the needs of the western Riverina."
The petition, presented to Mr McCormack in Griffith last month, has close to 3000 signatures.
"I have tabled the petition in parliament, and it will be presented to the House of Representatives during the next sitting week," Mr McCormack said.
Headspace is an initiative of the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, which provides young people (aged 12 to 25) who are going through a tough time with a place to chill out, and receive the support they need in a safe, secure and non-confrontational way.
The centre is staffed by experienced social workers who help kids access mental health services and assist them with education and employment as well as drug and alcohol counselling.
The tabling of this petition comes after The Area News Hands for Hope campaign encouraged residents to get behind the push.
The petition will be presented to the House of Representatives during Budget week.
Headspace for Griffith committee president Peta Dummett said it would now be a case of wait and see.
"The lobbying for a Headspace and the awareness it's created has identified a growing need in Griffith and this area," she said.
"While the wait is frustrating we are hoping the end result is positive for Griffith.
"Since the petitions were received, we have had numerous calls from people in the community wondering when this service will be available.
"It shows that they are desperate for help.
"We've heard from parents wanting some sort of preventative service to reduce the risk of crisis occurring in their family.
"We are hopeful that the government will prioritise our area and invite us to apply in the next round of funding."
