A new Medicare Mental Health Centre offering free, walk-in support without appointments or referrals is set to open in Strathpine. This will provide easier access to care for residents needing mental health assistance.
New Centres Opening Soon
The Strathpine centre is one of three new facilities planned for the Moreton Bay region, with others opening in Caboolture and Redcliffe. A fourth centre is also planned for Inner-North Brisbane at Lutwyche. These centres are expected to begin welcoming people from July. While exact locations are still being finalised, Brisbane North Primary Health Network (PHN) has confirmed the operators for each site.
Neami National will run the Strathpine centre, Stride will operate the Caboolture facility, and Communify will manage both the Redcliffe and Lutwyche locations. For Caboolture, Strathpine, and Inner-North Brisbane, existing Integrated Mental Health Hubs will transition to this new model, while the Redcliffe service will be completely new.
Accessible Support for All
A key feature of these Medicare Mental Health Centres is their ease of access. Anyone can walk off the street to seek help during the centres’ extended operating hours. There is no need to make an appointment beforehand, obtain a referral from a GP, have a previous mental health diagnosis, or even hold a Medicare card. The service is designed to be free for everyone, including those reaching out for mental health support for the first time.
Services and Staffing
Inside the centres, visitors will find a team of highly qualified mental health professionals working alongside people who have personal experience with mental health challenges. This multidisciplinary team, including mental health social workers and nurses, will listen to individuals and work with them to provide their needed care.
The centres offer immediate help for people in distress and short-term and medium-term care plans. They also aim to connect people with other helpful services in the community, such as housing or employment support, to assist them into the future.
Meeting Community Needs
These new centres are being established partly to support communities facing significant challenges, including higher levels of socio-economic disadvantage, unemployment, and homelessness. Brisbane North PHN CEO Libby Dunstan indicated that assessments show a clear need for more mental health support across the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay regions, and these centres will be a valuable addition to local services.
Furthermore, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride stated that the facilities will help residents get the support they need closer to where they live.
National Mental Health Initiative
The opening of these centres is part of a wider Australian Government programme, undertaken in partnership with state and territory governments and Primary Health Networks. The goal is to establish 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres nationwide by the middle of 2026. This initiative builds upon the existing Head to Health network, aiming to make quality mental health care more equitable and accessible nationwide.
How to Access Help
People seeking support can walk into any centre when it opens. A trained professional will talk with them to understand their immediate needs and may arrange a follow-up visit if necessary. Alternatively, individuals can call 1800 595 212 during weekday business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) for information about local mental health supports or to book an appointment at their nearest centre. In an emergency, people should always call triple zero (000) or visit the nearest hospital emergency department.
Published Date 11-April-2025
