What’s happening?
The Australian Government is expanding the Rockhampton Medicare Mental Health Centre as part of its $1.1 billion mental health election commitment.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Emma McBride, visited Rockhampton to announce that work on the expansion is underway.
The Rockhampton and Gladstone centres opened in early 2025 and are providing free mental health support for people in distress.
Located at 3/49 William St, Rockhampton and 4 Derby St, Gladstone, the centres offer walk in care without the need for an appointment or referral.
They are staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including mental health clinicians and peer workers. Care is tailored to each person, with wraparound support available for those with ongoing needs.
Why it matters?
The centres are designed to remove barriers and offer a clear entry point into the mental health system.
Assistant Minister McBride said, “The Albanese Labor Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and services in the centre of communities.
“Since opening in early 2025, the Rockhampton and Gladstone Medicare Mental Health Centre have provided free care to thousands of locals seeking support.
“Our Medicare Mental Health Centres create a new front door to mental health care, removing barriers to accessing support.”
Assistant Minister Green said, “As a Queenslander, I know how important it is that people can get the support they need, close to home, when they need it most.
“The Rockhampton and Gladstone Medicare Mental Health Centres are making a real difference for locals by offering free, walk-in support without barriers or red tape.
“This is about strengthening Medicare and making sure families in North Queensland are never left to struggle alone.”
Local impact
For Rockhampton and Gladstone residents, the expansion means increased capacity and continued free access to mental health care close to home.
It signals a long term commitment to strengthening Medicare in regional Queensland.
By the numbers
More than 4,500 occasions of care have been delivered by the Rockhampton and Gladstone centres since they opened in early 2025, showing strong local demand for free support.
The Australian Government is establishing a national network of 92 Medicare Mental Health Centres, including 24 located in Queensland to strengthen regional access.
So far, 53 Medicare Mental Health Centres have opened across the country as the broader rollout continues.
Zoom in
In Central Queensland, the Rockhampton and Gladstone centres are becoming trusted access points for mental health care.
People can seek information or support by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting medicarementalhealth.gov.au.
Zoom out
Across regional Queensland, centres are open in Townsville, Bundaberg, Kingaroy and Mount Isa.
Centres are also under establishment in Cairns, Mackay and Warwick as part of the broader national expansion.
What to look for next?
Further updates are expected on the Rockhampton expansion timeline and the opening of additional centres across regional Queensland.
