Local GP Recognised for Outstanding Community Health Leadership

MR RICK WILSON MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR O’CONNOR

23rd March 2026

Local GP Recognised for Outstanding Community Health Leadership 

Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson MP has today recognised the outstanding contribution of Dr Sarah Youngson, who was recently named Community Health Professional of the Year at the WA Rural Health Excellence Awards.

Dr Youngson has served the Warren-Blackwood community for more than a decade as a general practitioner and a passionate advocate for improving mental health outcomes for young people.

“Sarah’s work shows that in regional communities, health care goes far beyond the walls of a clinic,” Mr Wilson said.

“It is about trust, relationships and a deep understanding of the community - and Sarah embodies all of these qualities.”

Dr Youngson was recognised for her work improving access to care in local schools, reducing wait times for families, and her strong commitment to suicide prevention.

She is also the driving force behind Blackwood Youth Action, a local organisation she helped establish and now chairs. The service provides counselling, outreach and practical support to young people aged 12 to 25 across the Warren-Blackwood region.

Mr Wilson said he understood the unique socioeconomic challenges facing communities across the Southern Forests, particularly as the region transitions away from the native forestry and timber milling industries that have supported local families for generations.

“With change comes uncertainty, and that can place real pressure on individuals, families and young people in our community,” Mr Wilson said.

“That’s why access to local, high-quality mental health services is so important.”

Mr Wilson said Dr Youngson’s leadership and vision had been instrumental in progressing plans for a local headspace service.

“I first met Dr Youngson in 2021, when she shared her vision for dedicated youth mental health services in the Warren-Blackwood,” he said.

“She presented compelling evidence of both the need for support and the local capacity to deliver it.”

Following representations made by Mr Wilson to the Federal Health Minister and the WA Primary Health Alliance, that vision is now becoming a reality.

Last week, Mr Wilson visited Manjimup to receive a briefing from Youth Focus on the new headspace centre, which is set to open mid-year.

The centre will deliver free, youth-friendly mental health care for local families, with Dr Youngson serving on the board and practising at the facility alongside local GPs and community organisations, including Blackwood Youth Action.

“This is a major step forward for mental health support in our region,” Mr Wilson said.

“I thank Dr Youngson for her tireless work and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”

Media contact: Reuben Keyser

                          Communications and Community Engagement Advisor

                          [email protected]

                          (08) 9842 2777