General News
15 July, 2025
Mental health network offers support to locals
The State Government is expanding the network of Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals so more Victorians can get free mental health support close to home without needing a GP referral or Medicare card.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt announced on July 10 seven new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals will soon open across Victoria, including a hub in Castlemaine to service neighbouring Local Government Areas, including residents of the Central Goldfields Shire, making it easier to receive free mental health support closer to home.
Acting as a ‘front door’ to the mental health system, the Locals offer support and treatment for Victorians experiencing mental illness or psychological distress, including co-occurring substance use or addiction.
Support is delivered in-person, via telehealth and via outreach services with a care plan designed to reflect a person’s goals and preferences. Family, carers and supporters can also be involved.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett welcomed the announce-ment.
“Having a new mental health hub close-by will make a huge difference to locals in Carisbrook, Maryborough, Dunolly, and beyond,” she said.
“Our community currently has limited mental health support and it means people have to travel to Bendigo or Ballarat for help. Having a resource closer to home will mean more people can get the support they need sooner and easier.”
A flagship reform following the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, the new services build on the 15 existing Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals operating across 17 locations have already helped more than 23,000 Victorians access free community-based mental health care and support.
Other locations with Locals established include the Cardinia, Darebin, Maribyrnong, Port Phillip and Wyndham Local Government Areas.
The seven new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are expected to open from late 2025, continuing the State Government’s ongoing reform and expansion of community-based services.
The Victorian Budget 2025/26 invested $34.4 million to support the 17 existing locations, establish these seven new locations and continue essential community-based mental health services across Victoria.
The State Government has also invested $6 billion in the mental health system since the Royal Commission report was handed down and grown the mental health workforce by 25 percent.
For more information on Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mhwlocal.