Since opening, the Ipswich Medicare Mental Health Centre has delivered more than 13,000 occasions of care to locals seeking support.
The centre was visited this week by Emma McBride, Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health and Shayne Neumann, Federal Member for Blair.
Located at Level 1 Eats Building, Nicholas Street Precinct, Ipswich, the centre offers free mental health support and care for people in distress, without the need for an appointment, referral or mental health treatment plan.
Staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including mental health clinicians and peer workers, care is tailored to the needs of each person, with wraparound support for people with more ongoing needs.
The Albanese Government is establishing a national network of 91 Medicare Mental Health Centres, including 24 in Queensland.
50 Medicare Mental Health Centres have been opened across the country. The Ipswich Medicare Mental Health Centre was the 25th to open in 2024.
Across Queensland, Medicare Mental Health Centres have been opened in Logan, Redlands, Lutwyche, Strathpine, Redcliffe, Caboolture, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Kingaroy, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Rockhampton and Mount Isa, with more to come.
The Albanese Labor Government has delivered $27.37 million for the establishment and running of the Ipswich Medicare Mental Health Centre.
People seeking information or support can connect with Medicare Mental Health by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“The Albanese Labor Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and services in the centre of communities.
“Since opening in 2024, the Ipswich Medicare Mental Health Centre has 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.”
Quotes attributable to Shayne Neumann, Member for Blair:
“Mental health is a significant issue in the Ipswich region and locals deserve to have access to mental health services when and where they need it, which is why I fought so hard to establish the Ipswich Medicare Mental Health Centre in 2024.
“Thankfully, people in our community can now access free mental health care close to home, with the Ipswich Medicare Mental Health Centre offering free, walk-in care, as part of our plan to strengthen Medicare.
“The Albanese Labor Government is making sure that everyone can get the mental health care and support they need.”
