Gippsland PHN welcomes new Australian Government investment in mental health services in Gippsland as part of national mental health reforms.
Funding is being provided to establish a Medicare Mental Health Centre in Sale, expected to open by mid-2027.
The new centre represents an important step forward in strengthening access to free mental health care across Gippsland, helping people access support earlier and without the need for a referral or appointment.
Medicare Mental Health Centres are multidisciplinary, collaborative mental health services, providing immediate and short to medium-term mental health treatment and support for people experiencing distress and/or moderate to severe mental health challenges.
Centres provide a welcoming place where everyone can access free mental health information, services and support, without needing a referral or appointment, including families and carers.
There will be opportunities over the coming months for people with lived and living experience, carers, community members, health professionals and service providers to contribute to the design of the new Medicare Mental Health Centre to ensure it reflects local needs, priorities and community identity.
As part of Australian Government advice regarding future service arrangements, Gippsland PHN has also received confirmation that funding for the Sale Head to Health service will cease on 30 June 2027. Gippsland PHN would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of the Sale Head to Health clinic in supporting the wellbeing of the Wellington community since the services commenced in 2021. We thank the provider and staff for their commitment to our Gippsland community.
There will be no immediate changes to the current service, and people currently accessing support through Head to Health services should continue to do so as usual.
Our priority is ensuring continuity of care for people who currently use the services, and we will work closely with the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Victorian Department of Health, service providers and local partners to support people through this transition and into other services where needed.
People seeking mental health support are encouraged to access Medicare Mental Health, the national entry point for Commonwealth-funded mental health services, by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au. Information about other mental health services available across Gippsland is available on the Gippsland PHN website.
Gippsland PHN will undertake a public procurement process to select a provider for the new Medicare Mental Health Centre. To stay informed, please ensure that your organisation is registered with Tenderlink. More information on procurement and tendering is also available on our website here.
If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health support, please contact:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours)
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 (24 hours)
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
In an emergency, call 000.
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