Cardinia Shire Council welcomes the Victorian's Government's announcement that it will establish a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Cardinia Shire.
Cardinia Shire is one of seven local government areas where a new local will be established to provide community-based mental health services for free. Mind Australia in partnership with Monash Health will deliver the service, which is scheduled to open later this year.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said Council welcomed the investment in mental health support for the shire.
"This additional investment will help fill a longstanding gap in local mental health services," Mayor Kowarzik said.
"We're pleased that the new local will help to address a critical need that Council and local services have been advocating for.
"In 2019, Council and 13 local agencies coordinated a submission into the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health Care System, calling for better access to mental health care locally.
"Since this time, Council has continued to convene a Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Team comprising 19 member agencies who work together to deliver actions to improve mental health outcomes locally. The action team has continued to advocate to the Victorian Government via advocacy briefings and budget submissions to highlight the growing gaps in early intervention support for mental health."
Mayor Kowarzik said the establishment of a Mental Health and Wellbeing Local offering walk-in access would enable many residents to start their mental health support journey without the barrier of needing a Medicare Card, mental health care plan or referral from a GP.
"Cardinia Shire has a rapidly growing population and many residents are forced to travel outside of the Shire to access basic mental health support.
"Community consultation undertaken by Council earlier this year on the health and wellbeing challenges faced by residents identified a lack of access to local health facilities as a key challenge, particularly for those who are less mobile or unable to drive.
"Furthermore, Council's 2023 Household Liveability Survey revealed that one in five residents accessed support for a mental health issue that year. Of these people, 69% had to travel outside of Cardinia Shire to do so.
"We're pleased that this new service will help address the needs of our growing community, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Victorian Government to ensure our community gets the support and services it needs and deserves."
Improving mental health and wellbeing remains a key priority in Council's updated Liveability Plan 2017-2029.
