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New Medicare Mental Health Centre opens in Rockhampton

Emma McBride MP and Emily Mawson at the opening of the new centre

What’s happening?

Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, officially opened the new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Rockhampton, located at 3/47 William Street with joined by Emily Mawson – Labor for Capricornia. 

The centre provides free, walk-in mental health support and ongoing care for those in distress or dealing with complex mental health needs.

Operated by Wellways in partnership with Clarity Health Care and commissioned by Country to Coast QLD Primary Health Network, the centre is part of the Albanese Government’s initiative to strengthen Medicare by expanding mental health services nationwide.

Why it matters?

Access to timely, affordable, and quality mental health care is critical for addressing mental health challenges across Australia.

The new Rockhampton centre aims to bridge the gap in healthcare services by providing immediate assistance to individuals and families.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to improving the mental health system, ensuring that every Australian, regardless of location, has access to high-quality care.

Local Impact

The Rockhampton Medicare Mental Health Centre offers a lifeline to Central Queenslanders by providing free mental health services close to home.

Families, carers, and individuals in distress can access both immediate support and ongoing care, reducing the burden of mental health challenges on the community.

The service also connects people to additional resources, such as housing, employment, and broader healthcare services.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15ySZjEwNc/
Photo from Emma McBride MP Facebook page

By the Numbers:

  • The Albanese Labor Government is investing $3.5 million to establish and operate the Rockhampton Medicare Mental Health Centre.
  • Nationwide, 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres are being established, with 19 in Queensland.
  • Currently, 33 centres are open across Australia, including 7 in Queensland: Townsville, Kingaroy, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Gladstone, and Rockhampton.

Zoom In

The Rockhampton centre is staffed by a multidisciplinary care team comprising mental health professionals, social workers, nurses, and peer support workers, ensuring wraparound care across extended hours.

For those unable to visit in person, the service also offers a free call line at 1800 595 212, connecting individuals to trained professionals for advice, referrals, or information.

Assistant Minister McBride highlighted the importance of accessibility, saying: “The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare by investing in more mental health services. Central Queenslanders can now walk in and access free mental health care at the Rockhampton and Gladstone Medicare Mental Health Centres. We want every Australian, no matter their postcode, to have access to high-quality mental health care and support.”

Zoom Out

This initiative is part of the Albanese Government’s larger effort to strengthen Medicare by making healthcare services more accessible and equitable.

Senator Green emphasised the broader benefits of these centres, stating: “These centres are a real boost for the people of Rockhampton, Gladstone, and the wider Central Queensland community. It offers immediate help and follow-up for people who are in distress; support for people with mental health concerns; and for carers and families of people experiencing mental health distress. It can also connect people with other services to support them in the future, from health to mental health, and social supports like housing and employment.”

What To Look For Next?

Central Queenslanders can expect improved access to psychologists and psychiatrists at the Rockhampton centre, thanks to an additional $29.9 million investment by the Albanese Government to boost specialist care across all Medicare Mental Health Centres.

As the remaining centres are rolled out, communities across Australia will see enhanced support and resources to tackle mental health challenges locally.

For immediate support, visit the Rockhampton centre at 3/47 William Street or call 1800 595 212 for assistance.

Photo from Emma McBride MP Facebook page

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