The Allan Labor Government is getting on with the job of building a modern and accessible mental health system for every Victorian - with the start of walk-ins at the Mildura Mental Health and Wellbeing Local.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt today announced that locals aged 26 years and older in Victoria's north-east can now walk in and get the help they need - it is free, and no Medicare card, GP referral or appointment is required.
The Mildura service is one of 15 Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals operating across the state, supporting people experiencing mental illness or psychological distress, including those with co-occurring substance use or addiction concerns, providing treatment and care in their community and closer to their support networks.
Offering telehealth since December 2023, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Mildura is operated by Wellways Australia in partnership with Mallee District Aboriginal Services, Mildura Base Public Hospital and Sunraysia Community Health Services.
A flagship reform following theRoyal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System, Locals act as a 'front door' to the mental health system, offering a welcoming and inclusive space to access support from qualified mental health professionals, including peer support workers catering to the diverse needs of all communities.
Since the first six began operating in October 2022, Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals have provided support to more than 6,500 people.
Since the Royal Commission handed down its final report, significant progress has been made with work underway to implement more than 90 per cent of recommendations and more than $6 billion invested in the system over the past three years - the largest investment in mental health in Victoria's history.
People in Mildura and surrounding communities can now access the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local at 149 Deakin Avenue, Mildura for walk-in support will be available five days a week, in addition to telehealth services also available on weekdays.
For more information, including details for how to access support, please visit
betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mhwlocal
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
"Services like the Mildura Local are helping to transform our mental health system and are the perfect 'front door' to getting more Victorians the help they need."
"We're making sure more Victorians have free, easy to access mental health care closer to home, without the need to jump through hoops like a GP referral or needing a Medicare card."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Region Jaclyn Symes
"Our Locals are making seeking care easier - the welcoming and accessible environment means anyone can walk in and get the care they need."
