Free mental health clinic coming to Torquay

A NEW Medicare Mental Health Centre will be established in Torquay, offering free, walk-in mental health care to residents across the Surf Coast, Armstrong Creek and Geelong region.

The centre is part of a $225 million national rollout of 31 new and upgraded Medicare Mental Health Centres, funded through an Albanese Government election commitment.

The service will offer support to people in distress, as well as ongoing care for those with more complex mental health needs.

Staffed by a multidisciplinary team including social workers, nurses and peer support workers, the centre will operate extended hours and offer wraparound care.

Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker said the new clinic would deliver much-needed services to the region.

“Labor want’s everyone, and especially young people, to be able to access the mental health care they need,” Coker said.

“Locals and their families from across our region deserve more access to free mental health care and that’s what this clinic will help deliver – it would be a huge win for our communities.”

“Whether you need short-term support or ongoing care, young or old, we will ensure that a free, mental health service that’s backed by Medicare will be there for you and your family.”

In addition to the new centres, the Albanese Government has allocated $29.9 million in the 2024-25 Budget to ensure access to psychologists and psychiatrists at each site.

The announcement forms part of a broader $1 billion mental health package, which also includes funding for headspace services, Youth Specialist Care Centres, and more than 1200 training places for mental health professionals and peer workers.

A national early intervention service will also launch on January 1, 2026, providing free mental health support to Australians without the need for a referral or a gap fee.

Election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.