The next phase of Victoria’s mental health reforms is taking shape, with the state government confirming service providers for seven new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals. These centres will offer free walk-in mental health care, without requiring a Medicare card or a referral from a GP.
Announcing the update, Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt said trusted organisations had been appointed to deliver the new services, which are designed to be the first point of contact for anyone in distress. Each of the selected providers already runs similar services in other parts of the state and will now extend their reach to new areas.
The seven new locations and lead providers are:
- Cardinia—Mind Australia with Monash Health
- Darebin—Neami National with Northern Health
- Maribyrnong—cohealth with Western Health
- Maroondah—Wellways Australia with Eastern Health
- Mount Alexander—Mind Australia with Bendigo Health
- Port Phillip—Wellways Australia with Alfred Health
- Wyndham—cohealth with Mercy Health
“Easy access to mental health care without needing a GP referral or Medicare card is another step closer—with these trusted providers set to deliver these important new services in communities across Victoria,” Minister Stitt said.
Set to open from late 2025, the new centres will build on the 15 existing Locals already operating across 17 sites. More than 23,000 Victorians have accessed support through the program so far, which was developed in response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
The Locals model focuses on delivering care that is community-based, free, and responsive to different levels of need. As well as mental health concerns, the centres provide support for those also struggling with substance use or addiction, creating a more integrated service for people who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
To help meet the growing demand and develop a pipeline of skilled professionals, the state is also backing a second round of early career mental health roles. These placements will give new graduates a year of hands-on training and experience in community settings.
“More than 23,000 Victorians have already turned to Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals for support—and with more Locals on the way, even more Victorians will have access to this vital service close to home,” Minister Stitt said.
The latest update is part of the Labor Government’s broader effort to reshape Victoria’s mental health system, placing more emphasis on early access and community connection. The ultimate aim is to create a system where help is available before people reach crisis point, and where services feel approachable, not clinical or out of reach.
Further information about the program, including the locations and operating details of all current and future Locals, is available at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mhwlocal.
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