People across North Queensland will soon have free, walk-in mental health support and care with the opening of the Medicare Mental Health Centre in Mackay.
The Medicare Mental Health Centre will provide on-the-spot support for people in distress and ongoing care for more complex mental health needs.
Staffed by a multidisciplinary care team, including social workers, nurses, and peer support workers, it will provide wrap around support and care across extended hours.
To boost access to specialist care, the government is investing an additional $29.9 million to provide access to psychologists and psychiatrists on call for every centre.
To respond to growing need, the Albanese Government is rolling out 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres across the country, including 19 in Queensland.
The Mackay centre will be co-funded by the Federal and State Governments.
The Mackay Medicare Mental Health Centre is due to commence operation in 2026.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“We want every Australian, no matter where they live, to have access to quality mental health care.
“The new Mackay Medicare Mental Health Centre will enable North Queenslanders to access support, closer to home.
“The roll out of 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres, offering free, walk-in mental health support and care, is part of our plan to strengthen Medicare.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Senator Nita Green:
“The new Mackay Medicare Mental Health Centre will provide greater access to support and care for the Mackay community and people living in the region.
“I know the Mackay community needed better access to mental health care, so I’m pleased that our government is boosting services here and for the wider region.
“The consultation process with the community is important so please get involved if you can. We all want this service to address local needs and local concerns now and in the future.”
