Adults experiencing moderate to severe psychological distress, suicidal thoughts or mental health crisis can now access a range of support services at the new Moruya Medicare Mental Health Centre.

The centre was officially opened by Fiona Phillips (Member for Gilmore) and COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN.

Fiona Phillips, Member for Gilmore said: “The new Moruya Medicare Mental Health Centre offers locals access to free, walk-in mental health care and support, close to home.  

“Mental health is as important as physical health, and we are committed to all Australians getting the mental health support they need, wherever they live. Our Government is delivering whole of life mental health care and support with Kids Hubs (0 to 12 years), headspace (12 to 25 years), and adult Medicare Mental Health Centres (18 years plus).”

“I know how important having a free, safe mental health service is going to be for people in the Eurobodalla. Our Government is investing in Medicare Mental Health Centres, because having accessible and safe places to address mental health needs is essential to having a strong and healthy community.

“I want people to be able to access local health services free of charge, and I’m pleased that Moruya is joining the network of Medicare Mental Health Centres we’re opening across the country.”

Prudence Buist, CEO of COORDINARE, said: “Mental ill-health affects people from all walks of life. Many people in our region will experience a time when they need to reach out for support for themselves, a loved one or a friend. This service is free, and no appointment or referral is needed.”

“This service is provided by a consortium, led by Grand Pacific Health in collaboration with consortium members: Directions Health, Katungul and The Family Place. Each organisation provides unique expertise that ensures this centre is resourced to welcome and support the whole community,” said Ms Buist.

People can access Medicare Mental Health Centres by calling the Head to Health line on 1800 595 212 and asking for support, or by visiting a centre – whichever you feel most comfortable with. The service will operate from Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm (excluding public holidays).

“Sometimes finding the support you need can seem overwhelming. Rather than jumping straight into a service that may not suit you, it can be helpful to talk to someone who can guide you to the right service, based on your individual needs and goals – and that’s what the mental health centre is designed to do,” said Ms Buist. 

Adam Phillips, CEO of Grand Pacific Health said: “Moruya Medicare Mental Health Centre’s multidisciplinary care team will work with you to find the right support for your needs. They will use their knowledge of the range of services available in your region to identify what support is best for you. 

“This could be via direct support available through Medicare Mental Health Centre Moruya, connecting with counselling, peer support, drug and alcohol counselling, or care navigation.  If there is an external service that will better meet your needs, we will link you with them.”

Directions Health CEO Bronwyn Hendry said: “This centre is a welcome addition to the range of free, integrated services and programs we offer to individuals, family members and friends impacted by alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, mental health and other complex health issues.”

Katungul’s Acting CEO David MacQueen said: “It is important that health care for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander communities is culturally appropriate and includes the social, emotional and cultural well-being of the whole Community, in which each individual is able to achieve their full potential.”

The Family Place's CEO Malindey Sorrell said: “We are pleased to be part of this consortia. As a place based, grass roots provider we support and advocate for a high proportion of people as they navigate the most challenging times of their lives. Having a collaborative, skilled and community focussed mental health support service in Moruya will be an important step, providing the community with much needed clinical and non-clinical pathways and supports.”

Moruya Medicare Mental Health Centre is funded by COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN and is provided by a consortium led by Grand Pacific Health, located at Unit 8/73 Vulcan Street, Moruya. Phone: 02 4474 8500 or visit the website.

For more information about Medicare Mental Health Centres go to www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au or phone 1800 595 212.

Media release, Mental health, Southern NSW,