Residents of South Western Sydney can now access free mental health support with the opening of the new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Campbelltown. The centre officially opened its doors today and is designed to provide immediate care without the need for appointments or referrals.
The inauguration was attended by prominent officials, including Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, along with Dr Mike Freelander MP, Member for Macarthur, Anne Stanley MP, Member for Werriwa, and Rose Jackson MLC, NSW Minister for Mental Health. Located at 8 Dumaresq Street, Campbelltown, this facility aims to be a vital resource for individuals seeking mental health assistance.
Accessible Support for All
The Campbelltown Medicare Mental Health Centre offers a welcoming environment for individuals facing mental health challenges. It is staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including mental health clinicians and peer support workers, all dedicated to providing tailored care to meet individual needs. The centre is part of a national initiative by the Albanese Government, which is establishing a network of 91 Medicare Mental Health Centres across Australia, including 32 in New South Wales.
The Albanese Government has allocated $10.3 million for the establishment and operation of this centre, which is commissioned by the South Western Sydney Primary Health Network and operated by Grand Pacific Health. This funding reflects the government’s commitment to improving mental health services in local communities.
Community Impact and Future Plans
Additional Medicare Mental Health Centres are already operating in surrounding areas, such as Liverpool, Penrith, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Blacktown. Plans are also underway to establish new centres in Lidcombe, Green Valley, and Epping.
In her address, Assistant Minister Emma McBride highlighted the significance of this opening, stating, “Today is a significant day with the opening of our 50th Medicare Mental Health Centre. These centres are a new front door to mental health support and care in the heart of communities.”
Dr Mike Freelander expressed optimism about the centre’s potential impact, saying, “This is an important moment for our region as our Federal Labor Government is delivering free, accessible mental health supports for South West Sydney. I encourage anyone living with mental health concerns to visit the Campbelltown Medicare Mental Health Centre and talk with their amazing team.”
Anne Stanley emphasized the government’s focus on making mental health support more accessible, noting, “This facility will provide support to anyone that needs it when they need it.” Similarly, Minister Rose Jackson underscored the importance of removing barriers to mental health care, stating, “Getting help for your mental health shouldn’t be complicated. With this new centre in Campbelltown, anyone can walk in and get the help they need.”
For individuals seeking assistance, information about the services provided by the Medicare Mental Health Centre can be accessed by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au. This new centre marks a significant step forward in enhancing mental health support for the South Western Sydney community.
