The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare by delivering more mental health services in the heart of communities, including North Queensland.
Since opening, the Townsville Medicare Mental Health Centre has delivered more than 12,000 occasions of care to locals seeking support.
The centre was visited today by Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health.
Located at 32 Walker St, Townsville, the centre offers free mental health support and care for people in distress, without the need for an appointment, referral or mental health treatment plan.
Staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including mental health clinicians and peer workers, care is tailored to the needs of each person, with wraparound support for people with more ongoing needs.
The Albanese Government is establishing a national network of 91 Medicare Mental Health Centres, including 24 in Queensland.
50 Medicare Mental Health Centres have been opened across the country. The Townsville Medicare Mental Health Centre was the fifth to open in 2022.
Across regional Queensland, Medicare Mental Health Centres have been opened in Kingaroy, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Rockhampton and Mount Isa, with more to come.
The Albanese Labor Government has delivered $22.5 million for the running of the Townsville Medicare Mental Health Centre.
People seeking information or support can connect with Medicare Mental Health by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“The Albanese Labor Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and services in the centre of communities.
“Since opening in 2022, the Townsville Medicare Mental Health Centre has provided free care to thousands of locals seeking support.
“Our Medicare Mental Health Centres create a new front door to mental health care, removing barriers to accessing support.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Green:
“As a Queenslander, I know how important it is that people can get the support they need, close to home, when they need it most.
"The Townsville Medicare Mental Health Centre is making a real difference for locals by offering free, walk-in support without barriers or red tape.
"This is about strengthening Medicare and making sure families in North Queensland are never left to struggle alone.”