New mental health services for Wagga Wagga and Young

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) has welcomed the announcement today of two new Medicare Mental Health Centres being established for Wagga Wagga and Young.

MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said the services would be established with joint Australian and New South Wales government funding as part of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.

“We know in the Murrumbidgee people are experiencing mental health challenges and these services will be welcome additions to the existing service options available locally,” Ms Neal said.

“The decision to select Wagga Wagga as the main Medicare Mental Health Centre with an additional service in Young was driven by data around mental health prevalence and demand for services within the region.

“We are working closely with the Murrumbidgee Local Health District to get these sites established over the next 12 months. This will involve working with current service providers and community to ensure the services are complementary and build on existing services,” she said.

MLHD Chief Executive Jill Ludford said collaboration between MPHN and MLHD has been key and will continue and grow with the establishment of the new services.

“Together with MPHN, we have been working hard to advocate for Medicare Mental Health Centres to be established locally, so we are pleased to have successfully secured these two sites for our region,” Ms Ludford said.

“The joint funding is a result of the bilateral agreement between the New South Wales and Australian governments into mental health and suicide prevention, which was signed in March 2022.

“Locally, the strong relationship between MLHD and MPHN, as well as existing service providers, will help ensure the work required to establish the services will be conducted robustly, comprehensively, and efficiently. We are committed to getting the services open as quickly as we can,” she said.

Medicare Mental Health Centres provide a new way for Australians to access free, quality mental health care within their community. Services are fully government-funded and provided by multidisciplinary teams, without the need for appointments or GP referrals.

Medicare Mental Health Centres offer short to medium-term care for people with moderate to severe mental health needs, and immediate support and follow-up can be provided to people presenting in crisis.

Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, The Hon Emma McBride made the announcement as part of a $45.7 million joint funding over four years to establish several services across New South Wales.

Medicare Mental Health Centres can be accessed by calling 1800 595 212 or by visiting headtohealth.gov.au