People living in Bunbury and the surrounding region will soon have access to free, walk-in mental health support at the new Bunbury Medicare Mental Health Centre.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Emma McBride MP, and Senator for Western Australia, Ellie Whiteaker, made the announcement in Bunbury today.
This clinic is among the 32 additional Medicare Mental Health Centres being delivered as part of the Government's $1.1 billion mental health election commitment.
Medicare Mental Health 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.
The Australian Government is establishing a national network of 92 Medicare Mental Health Centres, including 10 in Western Australia.
53 Medicare Mental Health Centres are currently open and supporting communities across the country, including 5 in Western Australia.
In Western Australia centres have been established in Gosnells, Armadale, Mirrabooka, Midland and Northam.
The new Bunbury Medicare Mental Health Centre will be commissioned by the Western Australian Primary Health Network with a provider selected through a competitive tender process.
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:
"At the election, we committed to an historic investment in mental health, and we've started the work delivering on this.
"The new Bunbury Medicare Mental Health Centre will deliver free, walk-in mental health support and care, closer to home for people in South West Western Australia.
"The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare by delivering more mental health services in the heart of communities."
Quotes attributable to Ellie Whitecker, Senator for Western Australia:
"I know how much this will mean for families in Bunbury and across the South West.
"When someone you love is struggling, you want to know there's somewhere they can go.
"Bunbury locals will be able to access mental health care quickly, without cost, and without jumping through hoops. This new Medicare Mental Health Centre delivers exactly that."
