South Western Sydney residents now have access to free, walk-in mental health support and care with the opening of the new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Campbelltown.
The centre was officially opened today by Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Dr Mike Freelander MP, Member for Macarther, Anne Stanley MP, Member for Werriwa, and NSW Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson MLC.
Located at 8 Dumaresq Street, Campbelltown, 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 32 in New South Wales.
There are 50 Medicare Mental Health Centres open and supporting communities across the country, including 16 in New South Wales.
Across the Western Sydney region, additional Medicare Mental Health Centres are open in Liverpool, Penrith, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Blacktown. Centres will also be established in Lidcombe, Green Valley and Epping.
The Albanese Labor Government has delivered $10.3 million in funding for the establishment and running of the Campbelltown Medicare Mental Health Centre.
The centre is commissioned by South Western Sydney Primary Health Network and operated by Grand Pacific Health.
People seeking information or support can be connected 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 quality care in the heart of communities.
Today is a significant day with the opening of our 50th Medicare Mental Health Centre. These centres are a new front door to mental health support and care in the heart of communities.
"For people in South Western Sydney, the new Campbelltown Medicare Mental Health Centre offers a safe and welcoming place to access mental health support and care close to home."
Quotes attributable to Dr Mike Freelander, Member for Macarther:
"This is an important moment for our region as our Federal Labor Government is delivering free, accessible mental health supports for South West Sydney.
"Campbelltown's new Medicare Mental Health Centre will be a game changer for residents and their families and I look forward to seeing this important service improve outcomes for patients and our community as time goes on.
"I encourage anyone living with mental health concerns to visit the Campbelltown Medicare Mental Health Centre and talk with their amazing team.
"I thank Assistant Minister McBride for opening this important Centre today, and for her work leading improved mental health outcomes around our nation."
Quotes attributable to Anne Stanley, Member for Werriwa:
"Finding qualified, accessible mental health support when you need it has been the Albanese Governments priority. This facility will provide support to anyone that needs it when they need it.
"This is another example of the government's commitment to Australians health, and I look forward to working with the Assistant Minister to have a similar facility in Green Valley as soon as possible."
Quotes attributable to Minister Jackson:
"Getting help for your mental health shouldn't be complicated and removing the barriers that prevent people from seeking support is crucial.
"With this new centre in Campbelltown, anyone can walk in and get the help they need, no appointments or referrals needed.
"Our goal is to make sure that no one falls through the cracks, which is why we are partnering with the Commonwealth Government to deliver more Medicare Mental Health Centres in every corner of our state."
