New mental health service marks one year milestone

It has been 12 months in operation and Mount Gambier’s Head to Health is not only having a positive impact, it has also undergone a re-brand and is now known as the Mount Gambier Medicare Mental Health Centre.

In further good news for the critical mental health service, the recently released Federal Budget allocated significant funding for the service nationwide.

Centre manager Tracey Wanganeen said the new name of would not change the services provided in any way.

“Mount Gambier Medicare Mental Health Centre, formerly known as Head to Health, has welcomed a steady stream of people seeking support utilising the walk-in aspect of the service,” she said.

“This initiative ensures that individuals in our community can access the mental health support they need, when they need it, at no cost.

“These services are provided by an experienced team of trained mental health workers, supported by other specialised allied health professionals.”

The Mount Gambier Medicare Mental Health Centre (is an initiative of the Australian Government, with funding provided through Country SA PHN to FocusOne Health.

It is a free walk-in adult mental health service. No appointment is needed to speak to someone but one can be made to suit the convenience of the person seeking help. For example, someone may want a specific time after they drop children to school for the day.

“The Mount Gambier Medicare Mental Health Centre goes beyond providing direct services; it is designed to connect individuals with the specific services that best meet their needs,” Tracey said. “We prioritise building strong connections and offering comprehensive service navigation to ensure that each person receives the appropriate care and support they require.

“Our ultimate goal is to enhance accessibility by establishing seamless pathways that lead individuals to the most suitable and effective resources for their mental health journey. “

Twelve months into the life of the service and the range of needs have been diverse.

“People present for a wide range of reasons including support for an issue impacting on their mental health or wanting advice on how to support someone they are concerned about, a friend or family member,” Tracey said.

“There has been a steady stream of people seeking support from Mount Gambier Medicare Mental Health Centre, formerly known as Head to Health, and people report that they are attending here because it has been recommended by a friend or family member who has heard about or used the services.”

Anyone seeking help for themselves or someone they are concerned about or wanting information about available services can benefit from coming into Mount Gambier Medicare Mental Health Centre.

“As we continue to settle into the community, we are looking at ways we can increase engagement with the local community and ensure that people continue to walk-in to the service,” Tracey said.

“Over the next 12 months we aim to continue to provide high quality services to our community in a timely manner.

“We would like to express our gratitude to the community for the support shown to the service in the first 12 months of operation and we hope to see many more faces continue to walk through the doors.”

Member for Barker Tony Pasin, who was a strong advocate for Mount Gambier securing the Medicare Mental Health Centre welcomed the one year milestone.

“Congratulations to the Mount Gambier Medicare Mental Health Centre on celebrating your first full year of providing pivotal and transformative mental health services to the region,” he said.

“It was people power, a petition with thousands of signatures and strong advocacy that delivered the service for Mount Gambier, one of the first satellite centres in the nation.

“An initiative of the former Coalition Government in 2021, the service previously known as Head to Health became operational in July 2023 providing free and accessible mental health services to adults, complementing the Headspace facility delivered for Mount Gambier in 2016.

“Mount Gambier Medicare Mental Health Centre , formerly known as Head to Health, offers a ‘no wrong door’ entry point for adults to access mental health information, services and support.”

The centre is located at 7/165 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier.