Residents across Blacktown, Campbelltown, Broken Hill, and Central Darling in New South Wales are set to benefit from enhanced mental health support with the introduction of four new Medicare Mental Health Centres. These centres will offer free, walk-in mental health services and ongoing care for individuals experiencing distress or complex mental health issues.
The new centres will be staffed by multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, nurses, and peer support workers, providing comprehensive care and support during extended hours. To further improve access to specialist care, the Albanese Government is investing an additional $29.9 million to ensure that psychologists and psychiatrists are available on call at each centre.
This initiative is part of a broader rollout of 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres across Australia, with 22 slated for New South Wales. The Federal Albanese Government is contributing $17.1 million to establish the four new centres, while the NSW Minns Government will provide an additional $1.1 million for the Blacktown centre and $4.2 million for the Broken Hill and Central Darling centres.
The centres are expected to commence operations in mid-2025, with exact locations to be finalized following community consultation and design processes.
Assistant Minister McBride commented, “The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring people receive the mental health support they need, close to home. The rollout of these Medicare Mental Health Centres is a key part of our strategy to strengthen Medicare.”
Minister Bowen, Member for McMahon, highlighted the impact of the centres: “This is a game-changer for those in need of urgent and ongoing mental health care. The collaboration between the Albanese Government and the NSW government underscores our dedication to addressing the mental health needs of our communities and ensuring everyone can access the help they need.”
Minister Rowland, Member for Greenway, added, “The new Medicare Mental Health Centre in North West Sydney is a significant development, providing essential support within the community and ensuring that help is available without long waits or judgment.”
Dr. Freelander, Member for Macarthur, welcomed the Campbelltown centre, stating, “The new Medicare Mental Health Centre will greatly enhance the healthcare services in my community, offering valuable professional support and benefiting families and workplaces.”
New South Wales Minister Jackson emphasized the importance of the initiative: “The addition of 22 Medicare Mental Health Centres across New South Wales will greatly improve access to vital mental health support. These free, walk-in services will remove barriers and ensure that help is readily available without the need for appointments or referrals.”
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