Residents of South Australia’s Mid North region now have access to free, walk-in mental health support with the launch of the new Port Pirie Medicare Mental Health Centre. Located at 129 Ellen Street, the facility is designed to provide immediate assistance to individuals in distress, as well as ongoing care for those with more complex mental health needs.
The centre is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals, including social workers, nurses, peer support workers, and qualified clinicians, offering comprehensive care across extended hours.
This new service is part of the Albanese Labor Government’s national rollout of Medicare Mental Health Centres. The initiative includes 61 centres across Australia, with five located in South Australia. Port Pirie becomes the fourth South Australian location, joining Mount Gambier, Elizabeth, and Adelaide’s Urgent Mental Health Care Centre. A centre in Mount Barker is also set to open soon.
In response to the increasing demand for mental health services, the government is investing an additional $29.9 million to enhance access to psychologists and psychiatrists, available on call at each of the centres.
The Port Pirie Medicare Mental Health Centre is funded by the Albanese Labor Government, commissioned by Country SA Primary Health Network, and operated by Neami National.
For those seeking online support, a helpline is available at 1800 595 212, where individuals can speak with experienced professionals or be referred to a service that best meets their needs.
Assistant Minister McBride: “We want every Australian, no matter where they live, to have access to quality mental health care. The Port Pirie Medicare Mental Health Centre will ensure locals in South Australia’s Mid North have better access to support, right in their own community. This is part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen Medicare through the rollout of 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres offering free, walk-in services.”
Minister Picton: “We know that Emergency Departments are not always the most appropriate setting for someone facing mental health challenges. It’s crucial that regional South Australians, not just those in Adelaide, have access to the mental health support they need. This is another example of the Malinauskas and Albanese Governments collaborating to improve mental health services across South Australia.”
Geoff Brock, Member for Stuart: “The opening of a new, free mental health centre in Port Pirie is a significant benefit to the local community. Accessing mental health support in regional areas can often be challenging, and the centre’s multi-disciplinary team will provide invaluable 1:1 consultations. This is a great step forward for the people of Port Pirie, and I’m confident the community will greatly appreciate these services.”
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