North West Queensland residents now have access to free walk-in mental health support and care with the opening of the new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Mount Isa.
The Medicare Mental Health Centre was officially opened today by Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health.
Located at 74 Camooweal Street, Mount Isa, 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 care team, including mental health clinicians and peer workers, care is tailored to the needs of each person who visits the centre.
The Australian Government is establishing a national network of 91 Medicare Mental Health Centres, including 24 in Queensland.
There are 48 Medicare Mental Health Centres open and supporting communities across the country, including 13 in Queensland.
Across the state, other regional centres are open in Townsville, Kingaroy, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Bundaberg.
The Australian Government has delivered $1.3 million for the establishment and running of the Mount Isa Medicare Mental Health Centre.
The centre is commissioned by Western Queensland Primary Health Network and operated by RHealth.
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 centre of communities.
"North West Queenslanders can walk into the new Medicare Mental Health Centre and access free support and care without an appointment or referral.
"Access to healthcare in the bush can be difficult, which is why we're opening Medicare Mental Health Centres in rural communities like Mount Isa."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Green:
"Locals have raised with me the need for access to safe and affordable mental health care, and that's exactly what this centre offers.
"I would encourage people living in the region who need support to visit the Mount Isa Medicare Mental Health Centre and talk to the care team about their concerns."
