A major investment in mental health services for Broken Hill and Central Darling will commence development to support the 29,000 residents in Far West NSW.

Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) has awarded a new $5.5 million contract to Grand Pacific Health to establish and operate a Medicare Mental Health Centre (MMHC) in Far West NSW.

The Commonwealth and NSW governments have jointly invested $14.6 million over 4 years towards Medicare Mental Health Centres in Western and Far West NSW, to deliver free mental health support to some of the state’s most remote communities.

The Medicare Mental Health Centre will include a hub in Broken Hill and a flexible service model for the Central Darling, supporting communities through outreach and locally designed services.

The investment responds to the mental health needs across the Far West, where distance, workforce shortages, travel costs and limited local service options can make it difficult for people to access timely support.

The new Medicare Mental Health Centre will provide a free, walk in service for adults experiencing mental health challenges, with no referral or appointment required.

Services will include immediate support for people in distress, mental health assessment, care navigation, referrals to other services, and short- to medium-term clinical and non-clinical support tailored to individual needs.

WNSW PHN Chief Executive Officer Brad Porter said the investment would improve access to mental health care for communities that have historically faced significant barriers to support.

“People living in Far West NSW deserve the same opportunity to access quality mental health care as anyone else in Australia. This investment of more than $5.5 million will help ensure people can access appropriate support earlier and closer to home.

“To access the service, people will be able to walk in, call, connect through outreach services or be referred by a health professional.

“We know that distance, workforce shortages and the availability of services continue to impact mental health outcomes in the Far West.

“This new service is designed to address those challenges through a locally driven model that is culturally safe, community informed and focused on helping people access support when they need it most.”

NSW Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said that someone’s postcode should never determine whether they can access mental health support.

“This investment will help ensure people in some of the most remote parts of New South Wales can access free, timely mental health care closer to home.

“The Medicare Mental Health Centre model is designed to remove barriers and make support more accessible. You don’t need a referral, an appointment or a credit card – you can simply walk in and connect with help.”

Grand Pacific Health Chief Executive Officer Adam Phillips said the organisation was proud to partner with WNSW PHN and local communities to deliver the service.

“We are delighted to be selected to deliver the new Medicare Mental Health Centre for Far West NSW, and we look forward to working alongside our local partners in the region.

“We are committed to working alongside Aboriginal organisations, local health services and people with lived experience to co-design a service that reflects local needs.

“Our focus will be on creating a welcoming, inclusive service that makes it easier for people to seek help, stay connected to care and achieve better mental health outcomes.

“We recognise the unique strengths and challenges of Far West communities and are committed to building a service model that is culturally safe, locally responsive and sustainable for the future.”

The service will be implemented in phases, beginning with establishment and community co-design activities, followed by the gradual introduction of services and partnerships across the region.

The model will place a strong emphasis on outreach, Aboriginal leadership and governance, lived experience, integrated care pathways and proactive follow-up for people requiring continued support. The Medicare Mental Health Centre will strengthen the local mental health system by providing a visible, accessible entry point into care and connecting people to broader services across the region.