The Allan Labor Government is expanding its 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 today announced that seven new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals will soon open across Victoria – including one in Castlemaine which will service the Central Goldfields Shire– making it easier for people to get free mental health support closer to home.

These new Locals will be established in the Cardinia, Darebin, Maribyrnong, Maroondah, Port Phillip, Wyndham and Mount Alexander (servicing Mount Alexander, Central Goldfields and Macedon Ranges) Local Government Areas.

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.

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 that that have already helped more than 23,000 Victorians access free community-based mental health care and support.

The growing uptake of these reflects real progress in delivering the accessible and community-embedded care envisioned by the Royal Commission.

The seven new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are expected to open from late 2025, continuing the Labor 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 Labor Government has invested $6 billion in the mental health system since the Royal Commission report was handed down and grown the mental health workforce by 25 per cent.

For more information on Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mhwlocal. 

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“Having a new mental health hub close-by will make a huge difference to locals in Carisbrook, Maryborough, Dunolly, and beyond.”

“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.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt

"We are delivering the biggest mental health reform in our nation’s history – and our Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals play a vital role in ensuring all Victorians can access free and compassionate care, close to home.”

“Victorians have embraced Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, with more than 23,000 people already accessing support, and soon even more Victorians will benefit from this service in their local community.”