People across the Eurobodalla now have access to free, walk-in mental health support and care with the opening of a new Medicare Mental Health Centre.

Located at in Vulcan Street, Moruya the Medicare Mental Health Centre will provide on-the-spot support for people in distress and ongoing care for more complex mental health needs. 

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips officially opened the new centre today. 

The centre is staffed by a multidisciplinary care team, including social workers, nurses and peer support workers, who will provide wraparound support and care from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare by opening 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres across Australia. 

To boost access to specialist care, the Government is investing an additional $29.9 million to provide access to psychologists and psychiatrists for every centre.

There are currently 33 Medicare Mental Health Centres operational nationally, including a second South Coast facility that opened in Nowra in October 2024.

Mrs Phillips said it was important for everyone in the Eurobodalla region to have easy access to mental health support when they needed it most.

“I’m so pleased to have provided federal funding for this crucial service,” she said.

“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.

“People can also call the Hub directly for assistance.

“This Hub will improve access to and awareness of mental health care, especially for people who haven’t accessed mental health supports before.”

Mrs Phillips said the centre was a welcoming, friendly space that caters for the health needs of the local community.

“This is such an important service for our region, and I hope that everyone who walks through the door finds the support they need,” she added.

“The free centre means Eurobodalla residents can get the help they need, without worrying about cost, and it will take pressure off the hospital emergency departments.

Assistant Minister McBride said the roll-out of 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres across the country, was part of the Albanese Labor Government’s plan to strengthen Medicare.

““The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare by investing in mental health services in the heart of communities,” she said.

“For people across the Eurobodalla, the Medicare Mental Health Centre in Moruya offers walk-in, free and quality care from a multidisciplinary care team.”

Operated by Grand Pacific Health the clinic will 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.

“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.”

The clinic is located at 7-9, 73 Vulcan Street, Moruya and 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 cut the ribbon to officially open the Moruya Medicare Mental health centre.