Transforming Mental Health Support in the Barossa Valley

A major new mental health initiative is set to transform support services across the Barossa Valley, addressing one of the region’s most urgent and growing challenges.

Barossa Village, in collaboration with Lifeline Regional SA and Far West NSW, and supported by the Enhance Barossa Mental Health (EBMH) Steering Committee, is leading the way by developing Australia’s first co-branded Lifeline Connect Centre — offering free, walk-in psychological support where and when it’s needed most.

With distressing statistics around mental health in the Barossa, this initiative is not just timely — it’s critical. Too many people across our region are suffering in silence, unable to access support when they need it most. Together, we’re changing that.

A Lifeline for the Barossa Valley

The first phase of this partnership will see Barossa Village’s existing OpShop at 24a Murray Street, Nuriootpa, transition into a co-branded Barossa Village and Lifeline OpShop. This vibrant community hub will continue offering great shopping and volunteering opportunities — but now, every purchase and donation will directly fund Lifeline’s crisis intervention and mental health services.

This is not just retail with heart — it’s retail that saves lives.

But this is only the beginning. Over time, this site will evolve into a Lifeline Connect Centre, offering immediate, no-referral counselling services — without barriers, without cost, and without delay. It will be a safe, welcoming, and vital place of hope and help for anyone struggling.

Proud Community Roots and Strong Foundations

The Barossa Village OpShop is already a thriving space, featuring reception and office areas that are perfectly suited for this next step. Named after Arthur and Gladys Reusch, who played a significant role in our community’s early growth, the site holds deep historical significance. Following conversations with a living family member, it’s clear they would be proud to see their legacy continue in such a meaningful way.

This collaboration demonstrates how we can honour our past while investing boldly in the future.

Local Support, Immediate Impact

The vision is simple but powerful: co-locate a Lifeline OpShop and Connect Centre under one roof, with at least one volunteer trained in accidental counselling to support and triage those in distress. This model enables local, accessible crisis intervention and mental health support for people struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges, right when and where they need it.

Lifelines vision is for Australia to be free of suicide and we can’t work towards an Australia free of suicide without you. This new hub is a direct action towards that goal.

Leadership, Vision and Partnership

This groundbreaking project has been driven by a shared commitment to mental health between Barossa Village CEO Ben Hall, Lifeline Regional SA & Far West NSW CEO Robert Martin, and the passionate leadership of Dr. Bill Gransbury, Chair of the Enhance Barossa Mental Health Steering Committee.
Their combined vision is bringing long-overdue solutions to life for our community.

“This isn’t just another project — it’s a turning point for the Barossa Valley,” said Ben Hall. “We’re proud to work alongside Lifeline to bring real help, real connection, and real hope to our region.”

How You Can Help

While the full Connect Centre will take time to develop, the rebranded Lifeline OpShop will open within the coming months. We invite the entire community to shop, donate, volunteer, and spread the word — because together, we can turn the tide on mental health in the Barossa Valley.

Need to talk? Help is available 24/7:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14

• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

• Medicare Mental Health: 1800 595 212

• PANDA: 1300 726 306 (for pregnant people and new parents)

• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (for domestic and family violence support)