The Australian Government is strengthening Medicare by delivering more mental health services in the heart of communities, including Central Queensland.
Since opening, the Rockhampton and Gladstone Medicare Mental Health Centres have delivered more than 4,500 occasions of care to locals seeking support.
As part of the government's $1.1 billion mental health election commitment, the Rockhampton Medicare Mental Health Centre will be expanded.
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, who announced that work on the expansion is underway.
Located at 3/49 William St, Rockhampton and 4 Derby St, Gladstone, the centres offer free mental health support and care for people in distress, without the need for an appointment or referral.
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 Australian Government is establishing a national network of 92 Medicare Mental Health Centres, including 24 in Queensland.
53 Medicare Mental Health Centres have been opened across the country. The Rockhampton and Gladstone Medicare Mental Health Centres opened in early 2025.
Across region Queensland, Medicare Mental Health Centres are open in Townsville, Bundaberg, Kingaroy, Mount Isa. With centres in Cairns, Mackay and Warwick under establishment.
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 early 2025, the Rockhampton and Gladstone Medicare Mental Health Centre have 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 Rockhampton and Gladstone Medicare Mental Health Centres are 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."
