Better. Together. takes mental health care closer to home
A major investment secured during 2025-26 will transform how people with severe and complex mental health needs can access care across the Murrumbidgee. Better. Together. builds on MPHN’s Mental Health Nurse-led model and subsequent Team Care pilot, using what was learned to create a larger multidisciplinary model embedded within general practice.
More ways to reach people when they need support most
In 2025-2026 MPHN expanded its Universal Aftercare service. While aftercare support has existed in the Murrumbidgee for several years, people previously generally needed to come into contact with Local Health District clinical mental health services to access it. Yet many people experiencing suicidal thoughts or following an attempt never present to hospital or specialist mental health services.
Expanding mental health support for young people
A visit from Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride in July 2025 brought welcome news for young people across the Murrumbidgee. Minister McBride visited the newly expanded headspace Wagga Wagga centre to announce it would become one of 30 sites nationally upgraded to headspace Plus, providing more comprehensive support for young people with complex mental health needs.
Connecting people with the right mental health support
During 2025-26, Medicare Mental Health supports continued to strengthen across the Murrumbidgee, providing more accessible pathways into care and helping people navigate an often-complex service system.
A shared plan for better mental health and wellbeing
A new five-year plan was launched in December 2025, sharing a roadmap for improving mental health and wellbeing across the Murrumbidgee with the 2025-2030 Murrumbidgee Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and Alcohol and Other Drugs Regional Plan.