Peninsula residents now have access to free, walk-in mental health support and care with the opening of the new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Redcliffe.
The Medicare Mental Health Centre was officially opened today by Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma Comer, Federal Member for Petrie, and Kerry-Anne Dooley, State Member for Redcliffe.
Located at 198 Anzac Avenue, Kippa-Ring, 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 multidisciplinary care teams, 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 91 Medicare Mental Health Centres, including 24 in Queensland.
There are 47 Medicare Mental Health Centres open and supporting communities across the country, including 12 in Queensland.
Across Brisbane's Northside and Moreton Bay, Medicare Mental Health Centres are now open in Lutwyche, Strathpine and Caboolture. Centres will also be established in Chermside, The Gap and Everton Hills.
The Commonwealth and state governments have delivered $1.5 million in funding for the establishment and running of the Redcliffe Medicare Mental Health Centre.
The centre is commissioned by the Brisbane North Primary Health Network and operated by Communify.
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 Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and quality care in the heart of communities.
"The Redcliffe Medicare Mental Health Centre offers Peninsula locals a safe and welcoming place to access support and care close to home.
"Anyone may be impacted by mental ill-health, and this new centre offers everyone access to free support, without the need for an appointment or referral.
"We're rapidly rolling out Medicare Mental Health Centres across the country and will open the 50th centre this week.
Quotes attributable to Emma Comer, Member for Petrie:
"Peninsula residents can now walk into the Redcliffe Medicare Mental Health Centre and seek the support and care they need.
"Our government has committed to expanding the centre, which will grow the expert mental health workforce and enable the centre to support even more people."
Quotes attributable to the Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Minister Nicholls:
"The Crisafulli Government is committed to improving access to safe, high-quality mental health care for all Queenslanders.
"Community-based centres like this, and the one we recently opened in Lutwyche, are a vital step in strengthening our mental health system closer to home - ensuring more people get health services when they need them. This in turn eases pressure on our emergency departments and helps people find the supports that are right for them."
