The Eurobodalla community now has access to free, walk-in mental health care and support at the new Moruya Medicare Mental Health Centre.

Open from Monday to Friday, the centre will provide immediate support for adults who needs mental health advice or care, as well as support for those in distress.

Medicare Mental Health Centres offer support including from psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses and peer workers.

The Moruya service is one of 61 Federally-funded Medicare Mental Health Centres being rolled out by the Albanese Government across the country.

To ensure every centre can provide access to specialist care, the Australian Government is investing an additional $29.9 million so that every centre has a psychologist and psychiatrist on call.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the Moruya community could now access free mental health care close to home.

“The Moruya Medicare Mental Health Centre provides a safe and welcoming space for people in our community,” she said.

“I’ve lobbied hard to get this service up and running, to ensure Eurobodalla residents can get the mental health care and support they need.

“This service is free and no appointment or referral is needed.

“Walk-ins are welcome and peer support workers can help people navigate a range of mental health services and connect them with the best service for their care needs.”

Mrs Phillips said the service would improve access to and awareness of mental health care, especially for people who haven’t previously accessed mental health support.

Operated by Grand Pacific Health she said the walk-in adult clinic would work alongside a range of mental health services, including The Family Place, Directions Health Service, Katungul, and headspace Batemans Bay, to provide whole-of-community support.

“I’m proud to have delivered this service, as well as the free Medicare Urgent Care Clinic at Batemans Bay and the free bulk-billed South-Eastern Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at Milton,” Mrs Phillips said.

“Importantly, these services are free, which is taking some financial pressure off families who we know are doing it tough.

“The Labor government is delivering on its promise to provide more doctors, more health workers, and more accessible, affordable health care for people in Gilmore.”

Located at 7-9, 73 Vulcan Street, Moruya the walk-in Moruya Medicare Mental Health Centre is open from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday.

People can find out more by calling 1800 595 212 or at

www.health.gov.au/medicare-mental-health.

Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips took a tour of the new Moruya Medicare Mental Health Centre.

Media contact: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967