People living in Queanbeyan and surrounding communities can now access a new mental health service for adults who may be experiencing moderate psychological distress.

The centre was visited today by The Hon. Emma McBride MP (Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention), The Hon. Kristy McBain MP (Member for Eden-Monaro) and COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN.

Assistant Minister McBride said: “The Mental Health Hub offers people across South East NSW free, walk-in mental health support and care, close to home. 

“We recognise how important having access to quality and safe mental health care is in regional areas like Queanbeyan and the surrounding communities."

Minister McBain MP said: “The Queanbeyan Mental Health Hub is going to be a gamechanger for our community – it will offer free, walk-in mental health support and care close to home.

“The Queanbeyan community has long been calling for more mental health services – and I’m proud to have delivered this critical support.”

“It is important more people in our region can get the help they need with the opening of the new Queanbeyan Mental Health Hub. 

“This service is free and no appointment or referral is needed - walk ins are welcome to help connect you with the best service for your care needs or you can call the Hub directly. This Hub will improve access to and awareness of mental health care, especially for people who haven’t accessed mental health supports before,” he said. 

According to Prudence Buist, CEO of COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN, “Queanbeyan Mental Health Hub is a safe and welcoming space to connect with if you, or someone you care about, is experiencing difficulties with their mental health or social and emotional wellbeing. 

“The Queanbeyan service is one of five Mental Health Hubs and two Head to Health Centres opening in South Eastern NSW in 2024, funded by the Australian Government and commissioned by COORDINARE. 

“The new Queanbeyan Mental Health Hub has been co-designed with services and the community to target local needs. Provided by Flourish Australia, the hub offers support to improve wellbeing and mental health, either in-person, over the phone, virtual or group sessions,” said Ms Buist. 

Flourish Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Susan McCarthy said, “We are delighted to be working closely with COORDINARE to meet community need through our multi-disciplinary service model, providing face-to-face and telehealth mental health services to clients of all ages.  

“The Hub is also operating remotely in Yass and Braidwood and we hope to extend that to Bungendore and Captains Flat. 

“We encourage anyone experiencing mental health issues to reach out and seek help as there is a range of support options available,” said Ms McCarthy. 

Queanbeyan Mental Health Hub contact details:  

Shop 110, Riverside Plaza, 131 Monaro Street Queanbeyan NSW, 1300 779 270 

Head to Health phoneline, Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, 1800 595 212. 

Other hubs in South Eastern NSW link.

Pictured from left: COORDINARE's CEO Prudence Buist, Flourish's Chief Operating Officer Susan McCarthy, 
Assistant Minister for Mental Health Emma McBride, Paul Townsley, Tash Trompf with Leo (a mindDog Australia assistance dog), Georgia Stansfield, Amanda Baxter and Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain.