Four Additional Medicare Mental Health Centres to Open in NSW
On Friday 16 August 2024 at the Adult Mental Health Centre in Parramatta, the locations of four additional Medicare Mental Health Centres for NSW were announced. Medicare Mental Health Centres provide free, walk-in support for people struggling or in mental distress, and ongoing care for more complex mental health needs.
Hon Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, stated, “The struggles of day-to-day life are placing increasing pressure on people and demand on our services which is why we are pleased to announce an additional four locations in NSW: Blacktown, here in Western Sydney, Campbelltown in South-West Sydney, Broken Hill and Central Darling in Western NSW.”
In the recent budget, the Albanese Government has invested an additional $29.9 million to boost the clinical capability of the Medicare Mental Health Centre network to provide access to psychologists and psychiatrists on call. A total of 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres will open across the country, including 22 in New South Wales.
Hon Rose Jackson MLC, Minister for Mental Health, commented “You can walk in the door of a Medicare Mental Health Centre and connect with a peer worker, connect with a social worker and through the additional funding of the Commonwealth Government, escalate that through to a psychologist or psychiatrist if you need it. You don’t need an appointment. It isn’t just 9-5.”
The addition of Medicare Mental Health Centres in Broken Hill and Central Darling mean residents in the Far West will be able to access the free service, with no referral needed.
Hon Minister Chris Bowen MP said, “Whether you have been here all your life or whether you’ve just arrived here, we all from time to time need a little bit of guidance and assistance through the challenges of life.”
The Commonwealth Government is providing a total of $17.1 million to open the four new centres, with the State Government contributing an additional $1.1 million towards to Blacktown centre.
Brad Porter, CEO of Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) commented, “WNSW PHN is thrilled to see further investment into mental health services in Western NSW. We believe all Australians should have access to mental health support, no matter where they live.
“The new Medicare Mental Health Centres in Broken Hill and Central Darling will enhance local service integration, providing a safe space for people to seek the mental health support they need when they need it. We welcome the support of the Commonwealth Government and their recognition of the needs of the Broken Hill and Central Darling communities.”
In addition to Medicare Mental Health Centres across the country, anyone living in Australia can call Head to Health on 1800 595 212 to speak to a trained professional for advice and connection to the best local mental health service or support.
Exact locations of the Medicare Mental Health Centres will be determined following community consultation and co-design.
WNSW PHN is currently working on an expression of interest of tender for the Broken Hill and Central Darling Medicare Mental Health Centres.