The Allan Labor Government is making access to free, community-based mental health care even easier with the official opening of the permanent home for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Shepparton.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt today celebrated the opening of the new site - developed with community members and people with lived and living experience.
The Shepparton Local offers a range of clinical and wellbeing mental health supports via in-person walk-ins and appointments, telehealth and outreach services - all free of charge, with no Medicare card or GP referral required.
Acting as a 'front door' to the mental health system, Victoria's network of Locals provide support and treatment for adults experiencing mental illness or psychological distress, including co-occurring substance use or addiction.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Shepparton provides support for Victorians in Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie and Moira, and is led by Wellways Australia in partnership with APMHA Healthcare and Goulburn Valley Health.
Services are delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experienced mental health professionals, wellbeing staff and peer support workers, and is designed to meet the diverse needs of the community.
A flagship reform following the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System, the Shepparton Local has been providing support to the local community since December 2023.
It is one of 15 existing Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals that have already supported more than 23,000 Victorians with free community-based mental health care.
The Victorian Budget 2025/26 invested $34.4 million to expand and continue our network of Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, including establishing a further seven Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals across the state.
People across the Shepparton, Strathbogie and Moira regions can now access the Shepparton Mental Health and Wellbeing Local located at 151-155 Maude Street on weekdays between 9:00am - 5:00pm and weekday public holidays between 10:00am - 2:00pm.
For more information on Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mhwlocal.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
"The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local here in Shepparton is making it easier for the community to get the support they need in a welcoming space close to home, without the cost, need for a referral or Medicare card."
"We're continuing to build a mental health system that works for every Victorian no matter where they live - with a specific focus on prevention and early intervention, especially our regional and rural communities."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Region Jaclyn Symes
"The Shepparton community now have a welcoming and accessible place to turn to when they need support - no appointments, no expensive fees, and no referral, just the help they need, right here close to home."
