Community members, those with their own lived experience of mental health challenges, healthcare professionals, social and community services, and mining and other sector representatives are being encouraged to join the conversation and help shape the new Mackay Medicare Mental Health Centre. 

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) and Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) have this month kicked off consultation and codesign. 

And the message is loud and clear: We want to hear from you!   

The sessions are expected to involve a wide cross-section of people who will help design a mental health service for adults that truly meets the needs of the region. 

Already the introductory online “Kick off” Information Sessions have been well received, with more than 45 people attending, and excited about the new service for Mackay.  

The Mackay Medicare Mental Health Centre is an opportunity to localise the model to best meet the needs of Mackay’s diverse community. 

It will offer immediate and compassionate support for people in distress, and connect them to ongoing help if needed. 

Lived experience, community, and health provider codesign workshops 

To ensure the service best meets local needs, NQPHN and Mackay HHS will host consultation sessions for community members and service providers, with catering included.  

Information about each workshop will be released in the weeks prior to the events. 

Face-to-face consultation and codesign workshops 

Wednesday 21 May 2025  

• Community: 9am-11am  
• Providers: 12.30pm-2.30pm  
• Open to all: 4.30pm-6.30pm 

Tuesday 17 June 2025 

• Community: 9.30am-12.30pm  

Wednesday 18 June 2025 

• Open to all: 9.30am-3pm 

Wednesday 21 July 2025 

• Open to all: 9.30am-3pm 

To register for any of these sessions, please fill out this form. 

The consultation and codesign sessions will build on the rich information and consultation that has occurred in and across the Mackay region over the last few years.   

What is learned from the sessions will inform how the service is designed and delivered to ensure that it works for Mackay.   

NQPHN and Mackay HHS will use a strengths-based approach to establish the service, building on existing services and resources in the region by recognising what is working well already, and how to fill gaps or enhance current activity. 

The walk-in Medicare Mental Health Centre will offer immediate and compassionate support for people experiencing crisis or distress, without the need for an appointment, in a welcoming environment.

Mental health professionals can connect people to ongoing support if needed, while also supporting carers and loved ones.  

If you have any questions or queries, please contact mhaodplanning@nqphn.com.au