Torquay part of promised mental health centre rollout

LABOR says it would begin planning for a Torquay mental health service if it wins this week’s state election.

The Surf Coast town was earmarked as a future location for a Mental Health and Wellbeing Local as part of a $10 million election commitment to plan for 20 services across the state.

The service would be similar to a Greater Geelong service now under construction at Moorabool Street that would be delivered by Barwon Health in partnership with wellbeing service provider Wellways Australia, mental health and disability service ermha365 and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.

Torquay’s service would be behind another 21 services across the state that have already started planning, while the Labor Party has promised $67 million to build three services in Melbourne.

The promises follow findings of the 2021 Royal Commission, which recommended access to free walk-in services for adults experiencing mental health concerns.

“We’re doing what matters and building a new mental health system from the ground up. These local services will support early intervention, ensuring every Victorian can access quality mental health care closer to home,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.

“Victorians shouldn’t have to travel hours away from their own communities and support networks just to get the help they need. These local services will ensure they won’t.”

Labor’s Polwarth candidate Hutch Hussein said the pledge, which also includes a service further west in the electorate at Colac, would support local access to vital healthcare.

“Getting mental health support nearby will soon get easier,” she stated.

“Torquay and Colac are two of 20 prospective new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals that Labor will invest $10 million in establishing to ensure mental health support is accessible close to home.”