The Australian Government is delivering free mental health care across regional Australia, with the 57th Medicare Mental Health Centre now officially open in Glenorchy, bringing high-quality care closer to home for Tasmanians.
In the second week of Mental Health Month, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride MP joined Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care and Member for Lyons Rebecca White MP to officially open the new centre.
This new service is providing free mental health care in the heart of the local community – making sure people can access the support and care they need, when they need it, with no appointment or referral required.
Expected to support thousands of locals each year, the new service strengthens Tasmania's mental health network and joins 3 existing Medicare Mental Health Centres across the state, which have already delivered more than 22,000 free, walk in appointments.
The Glenorchy Medicare Mental Health Centre is located at 388 Main Road, Glenorchy, where locals will be seen by a team of counsellors, social workers and peer workers who can provide immediate support and ongoing care.
Importantly, the centre is fully staffed and already welcoming members of the community through its doors.
This opening marks another step in improving access to mental health care outside Australia's major cities. Across regional and rural communities, 27 Medicare Mental Health Centres have already delivered 249,000 free, walk in appointments.
The Albanese Labor Government plans to grow the number of centres in regional and rural communities to 42 by 2030.
The Glenorchy Medicare Mental Health Centre is part of the Albanese Labor Government's record $1.1 billion investment in mental health and wellbeing, focused on strengthening services, growing the workforce and delivering support and care to Australians wherever they are.
The centre is funded by the Australian Government, commissioned by Primary Health Tasmania and operated by Stride Mental Health.
People seeking information or support can contact Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 or visit www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au.
Quotes attributed to Assistant Minister McBride:
“The Albanese Government is making it easier for Australians to receive the support and care they need when they need it.
“We know one in five adults experience mental health challenges every year, and now those people will be able to access free mental health care through a psychologist, counsellor, social worker and or peer worker at the Glenorchy Medicare Mental Health Centre.
“This centre comes as our network of Medicare Mental Health Centres surpasses half a million free, walk in appointments delivered. No appointment or referral required.”
Quotes attributed to Assistant Minister White:
“This centre is about making sure more Tasmanians can access the free mental healthcare that they need closer to home.
“No one should feel like they need to struggle with their mental health alone. The Glenorchy Medicare Mental Health Centre is about ensuring the community has access to support, at no cost and with no appointment needed.
“Reaching out for help can be difficult and knowing where to turn for support can make all the difference. The new centre will provide a welcoming place to seek help closer to home.”
Quotes attributed to Senator Carol Brown:
“This is a fantastic new service for people across Glenorchy and surrounding communities.
“I’m very excited to see free, high-quality mental health support available right here in the local community, with no appointment or referral needed.
“It means people can get help when they need it, close to home, and I know this centre will make a real difference.”