The Riverina region is set to benefit from free, walk-in mental health support with the opening of new Medicare Mental Health Centres in Wagga Wagga and Young later this year. Assistant Minister Emma McBride announced the two new locations today.
These centres aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment for individuals seeking immediate care and support. Services will be available free of charge, with no need for appointments or referrals. Highly trained care teams will deliver information, services, and support over extended hours.
The establishment of these centres is part of a $29.9 million investment to expand the Head to Health network, enhancing the capacity of each centre to offer free access to psychologists or psychiatrists on call.
The Albanese Government is rolling out 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres nationwide, including 22 in New South Wales. The two centres in the Riverina are co-funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments under a mental health bilateral agreement.
An interim service opened in Wagga Wagga in May, co-located with Mission Australia, with the permanent site at 235-241 Baylis Street expected to open later this year. Over $9.7 million in funding has been allocated to the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network to commission the two centres, operated by Grand Pacific Health.
Quotes from Key Officials:
Assistant Minister Emma McBride expressed her satisfaction with the progress:
“I was pleased to see work progressing so quickly on the Wagga Wagga Medicare Mental Health Centre today. People in the Riverina deserve mental health care and support closer to home, and we’re working with the NSW Government to provide quality services to meet the growing demand. The Albanese Government is committed to making mental health care more accessible for all Australians, especially those in regional areas.”
Senator Deborah O’Neill highlighted the challenges faced by regional communities:
“Access to mental health care and support can be difficult, particularly in regional and remote communities like the Riverina. These Medicare Mental Health Centres provide a gateway to accessing support, often sought during the most difficult times in life. The Albanese Government is committed to delivering for regional communities, making mental health support more accessible and affordable.”
NSW Minister Rose Jackson emphasized the importance of accessible mental health care:
“Mental health is a right, and we want those needing support across NSW to be treated in non-restrictive care that is safe. We want people in the Riverina to have access to mental health support, and this new walk-in centre will do that with a range of supports and services available to those in need. This is an example of the great outcomes possible when both the Australian and NSW Governments work together.”
These new centres are a significant step towards improving mental health care accessibility in the Riverina, ensuring residents receive the support they need close to home.
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