The Albanese and Minns Governments are improving access to free mental health care in NSW, with a network of Medicare Mental Health Centres across the state that saw at least 107,500 visits last year.
More than 37,000 people and families across NSW have accessed free Medicare Mental Health Centres since their establishment, without the need for an appointment or referral.
This backs in Labor's commitment to universal, free healthcare where everyone can get the mental health care they need. These centres take pressure off families by saving time and money, while putting mental health support close by.
In 2025, the Lismore centre saw the most occasions of care overall, with 18,318 occasions of care in 2025, as the community continues to rebuild after multiple flooding disasters.
The busiest centres last year also included Western Sydney locations in Liverpool and Penrith which saw 14,533 and 11,799 occasions of care respectively.
Today also marks the official opening of the new Blacktown Medicare Mental Health Centre, with a $2.4 million investment for its establishment and operation.
Located at 114 Main Street, Blacktown, the new Blacktown Medicare Mental Health Centre offers free mental health support and care for people in distress.
Staffed by multidisciplinary care teams, including mental health clinicians and peer workers, care is tailored to the needs of each person who visits the centres.
The Commonwealth and State Governments have partnered together to build a network of 33 Medicare Mental Health Centres in New South Wales, with 18 currently open and supporting people and communities across the State.
In Western Sydney, additional Medicare Mental Health Centres are open in Canterbury, Liverpool, Penrith, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Campbelltown. Centres will also be established in Lidcombe and Green Valley.
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 NSW Premier Chris Minns:
"We know more young people need mental health support, and cutting costs and removing barriers is key to making sure they can get the help they need.
"Providing access to free mental health support, is a simple way to improves the lives of young people, families and our most vulnerable.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
"The Albanese Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and quality care in the centre of communities.
"This new Medicare Mental Health Centre offers people living in Blacktown a safe and welcoming place to access mental health support and care close to home.
"Anyone may be impacted by mental challenges, and this new centre offers everyone access to free support, without the need for an appointment or referral."
Quotes attributable to Minister Bowen, Member for McMahon:
"This is about making it easier to get help when you need it, close to home, without the barriers that stop too many people reaching out.
"The Blacktown Medicare Mental Health Centre means free, walk-in support is now available right here on Main Street, delivered by a team including clinicians and peer workers.
"Mental health care should not depend on your postcode or your bank balance. This is Labor putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and delivering for Western Sydney in partnership with the NSW Government."
Quotes attributable to Minister Jackson:
"These Medicare Mental Health Centres are a gamechanger. Anyone is welcome to walk in, no appointment, referral, or credit card needed.
"Getting help for your mental health should be easy and free - that's what our Medicare Mental Health Centres are all about.
"Thousands of people are already accessing centres all across New South Wales, particularly in Western Sydney and regional hubs like Lismore and Wagga Wagga.
"Medicare is something Australians rightly take pride in, and these centres strengthen that legacy - public, universal care that puts people first."
Quotes attributable to Stephen Bali, Member for Blacktown:
"I'm thrilled to be here to open the Blacktown Medicare Mental Health Centre, where anyone in my community can walk in and get the help they need, no appointments or referrals needed.
"By removing the barriers that stop people from accessing support - particularly the cost - we are improving outcomes for those who need it most."
