TUGGERAH, NSW — The Hunter New England Central Coast (HNECC) Primary Health Network (PHN) has announced the opening of the Tuggerah Medicare Mental Health Centre (MMHC), a new service offering free, walk-in mental health support and advice. The official opening took place on Monday, January 20, 2025, with the Hon. Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, and Federal Member for Dobell, in attendance.
Formerly known as Central Coast Head to Health, the Tuggerah MMHC is operated by Beam Health and funded by the Australian Government as part of a national initiative to expand access to mental health care. The centre, located on Pioneer Avenue in Tuggerah, aims to offer immediate and accessible mental health services to the local community.
MMHCs are designed to provide a welcoming and safe space for individuals seeking mental health support. These centres are staffed by qualified mental health professionals, including those with lived experience of mental health challenges, who work to provide tailored care based on individual needs. The services are available over extended hours, and no appointment, GP referral, or Medicare card is required to access care.
Richard Nankervis, CEO of HNECC PHN, highlighted the centre’s role in simplifying access to mental health care. “Medicare Mental Health Centres are designed to enhance local service integration and offer a seamless care pathway,” Nankervis said. “Our goal is to ensure that people receive the right level of care at the right time, based on their individual mental health needs.”
The centres are grounded in an episodic model of care, providing evidence-based services and family support to address short-to-medium-term mental health concerns. Whether seeking help for oneself or supporting a loved one, the Tuggerah MMHC serves as an accessible and initial point of contact for those looking to improve their mental wellbeing.
This new MMHC is the first within the HNECC PHN region, with another centre set to open soon in Gosford. Through this initiative, the Australian Government aims to ensure broader access to quality mental health care across the country.
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