More than 6,000 Gold Coast residents are expected to access free mental health care over the next 12 months following the official opening of the new Northern Gold Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre in Pimpama.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride MP joined Senator Murray Watt to officially launch the service, marking a significant investment in mental health support for one of Australia's fastest-growing regions.
Located at 27 Dixon Drive, Pimpama, the centre will provide free, walk-in mental health care and support for people experiencing mental health challenges or psychological distress without the need for a referral or booking.
As the northern corridor of the Gold Coast continues to experience rapid population growth, the new service will help make sure local residents can access timely and professional support close to home when they need it most.
The centre will be home to a team of 24 staff, including 20 highly trained mental health professionals who will deliver free care and support.
The Northern Gold Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre builds on the success of the Medicare Mental Health network across Queensland, where nearly 80,000 free walk-in appointments have already been delivered.
Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, the Pimpama centre is the 17th Medicare Mental Health Centre in Queensland and forms part of a growing national network of 57 centres helping Australians access free mental health care in their local communities.
The centre has been commissioned by the Gold Coast Primary Health Network and operated by Open Minds.
People seeking information, advice or support can connect with Medicare Mental Health by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au.
Quotes attributed to Assistant Minister McBride:
"Today's announcement means locals on the Gold Coast will have access to free mental health care when they need it.
"We know one in five adults experience mental health challenges every year, and now those people will be able to access free mental health care through a psychologist, counsellor, social worker and or peer worker at the Northern Gold Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre.
"The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to expand our network of Medicare Mental Health Centres to make sure that no one is left behind."
Quotes attributed to Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls:
"The Crisafulli Government is committed to building a stronger mental health system that gives Queenslanders easier access to health services when they need them.
"We are investing significantly in the mental health workforce, infrastructure and services across Queensland, to meet the demand from our growing population, particularly in booming areas like the northern Gold Coast."
Quotes attributed to Senator Watt:
"It's great to see this fantastic new health service delivered for Gold Coasters, especially for the growing northern corridor.
"Since they opened, locals have really embraced the Albanese Government's Medicare Urgent Care Clinics for after-hours bulk-billed medical support, and today marks another step forward for Gold Coast health services.
"Access to good, affordable mental health assistance can make a world of difference for a person in need, as well as their family and community, so it's excellent to see this facility open here in Pimpama."
