THE HON EMMA MCBRIDE MP
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR RURAL AND REGIONAL HEALTH
THE HON STEPHEN JONES MP
ASSISTANT TREASURER
MINISTER FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES
MEMBER FOR WHITLAM
MEDIA RELEASE
A new Medicare Mental Health Centre is now open in Shellharbour, providing free access to quality mental health care and support for people living in the region.
The Albanese Government is rolling out 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres across the country, including 22 in New South Wales.
Medicare Mental Health Centres provide a safe and welcoming place for adults to access information, services and supports delivered by trained professionals. Services include immediate support for people in distress, and short to medium term care for people with moderate to severe mental health needs.
Medicare Mental Health Centres are building on the established Head to Health network with a $27.6 million investment to lift capacity for each centre to provide free access to a psychologist or psychiatrist on call.
Making mental health care more accessible for Australians, particularly in rural and regional areas, is a high priority for the Albanese Government.
The government is providing $4.5 million to the South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network to commission this service, which is operated by Grand Pacific Health.
Anyone can access services by calling 1800 595 212, or by visiting the Shellharbour Medicare Mental Health Centre at 172 Shellharbour Road, Warilla NSW. Services are free of charge, walk-in with no appointment required.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister, Emma McBride:
“The new Shellharbour Medicare Mental Health Centre offers locals access to free, walk-in mental health care and support, close to home.
“Mental health is as important as physical health, and we are committed to all Australians getting the mental health support they need, wherever they live.
“Our government is delivering whole of life mental health care and support with Kids Hubs (0 to 12 years), headspace (12 to 25 years), and adult Medicare Mental Health Centre (18 years plus).”
Quotes attributable to Stephen Jones MP, Member for Whitlam:
“I know how important having a free safe mental health service is going to be for people in Shellharbour.
“Our government is investing in Medicare Mental Health Centres, because having accessible and safe places to address mental health needs is essential to having a strong and healthy community.
“I want people to be able to access local health services using their Medicare card, not their credit card and I’m pleased that Shellharbour is joining the network of Medicare Mental Health Centres we’re opening across the country.”
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