In a major step towards accessible mental health care for all Victorians, the state government has announced the expansion of its Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals network, making it easier than ever for people aged 26 and over to get help without a GP referral or Medicare card.
Seven new centres will open in late 2025 in Cardinia, Darebin, Maribyrnong, Maroondah, Port Phillip, Wyndham and Mount Alexander (servicing Mount Alexander, Central Goldfields and Macedon Ranges) and will offer free, walk-in mental health care in the heart of local communities.
Designed to be a welcoming “front door” to the state’s mental health system, the Locals will provide personalised support for people experiencing psychological distress, mental illness, or substance use issues.
Support will be accessed face-to-face, through telehealth, or via outreach and care plans will be tailored to individual goals,with family and carers encouraged to be involved.
The expansion builds on the success of the first 15 Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, which have already helped over 23,000 Victorians. This reform stems from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, which called for care that is community-based, responsive and stigma-free.
For more information on Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mhwlocal.
