More options emerge in Callan Park mental health debate

A new voice has emerged in the ongoing debate over plans for mental health services at Callan Park, with community organisation Justice Action pushing for the formation of a housing co-operative to accommodate mental health consumers on the site.

Justice Action spokesperson Brett Collins said the co-operative would follow a community development approach which focused on empowering participants and strengthened the community of mental health consumers in Callan Park, where they could reside “without the fear of social stigma”. A report commissioned by the group cited local and international examples, including that of mental health centres in Trieste, Italy, providing proof of the effectiveness of such a model.

But the issue is a contentious one, with the likes of Mental Health Co-ordinating Council chief executive Jenna Bateman arguing the ‘bed-based’ approach had been shown to be ineffective. The proposed masterplan, endorsed by the majority of Leichhardt councillors and the Friends of Callan Park, earlier this month attracted criticism from mental health expert Patrick McGorry. “I would not like to see large concentrations of beds on this site again, which would close it off to the community and revive the past,” he said in a statement.

Balmain state MP Verity Firth reiterated her support for the presence of mental health services in Callan Park, citing the success of NGO groups including We Help Ourselves. “I am keen to hear from both sides of the argument over mandating residential beds in Callan Park and whether this will deliver the best possible treatment for those suffering from mental health-related issues,” she said.