People in the Mackay region experiencing mental health distress will soon have access to a new Medicare Mental Health Centre, providing free and immediate support in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) has commissioned Grand Pacific Health, in partnership with Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS), to deliver the Mackay Medicare Mental Health Centre.
The centre will be established in Mackay and provide a safe place for people experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, suicidal crisis, or difficult life circumstances to seek help without needing an appointment or referral.
Outreach and/or telehealth will extend to communities in Bowen, Collinsville, Clermont, Cannonvale, Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Dysart, Sarina, and Moranbah.
NQPHN Acting Chief Executive Officer Gillian Yearsley said the centre would provide an important additional pathway for people seeking mental health support in the Mackay region.
“The Mackay Medicare Mental Health Centre will give people a supportive place to turn when they are experiencing distress or facing difficult life situations,” Ms Yearsley said.
“Services like this ensure people can access the right care, in the right place, at the right time – without needing to go through the emergency department.”
Ms Yearsley said the centre would provide immediate support from a multidisciplinary team including psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses and peer workers with lived experience, while also helping connect people to ongoing support if needed.
“The centre will provide immediate support to help reduce distress and stabilise people in crisis, while also connecting them with the broader mental health, social and community services they may need,” she said.
“NQPHN is proud to work with the Australian Government, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Grand Pacific Health, and Mackay Hospital and Health Service to deliver this important service for the Mackay community.”
The service will support individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental illness, suicidal crisis, or co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges, as well as families, friends and carers seeking guidance and support.
The centre will operate as a free walk-in service, meaning people will not need a Medicare card, appointment or referral to access support.
Telehealth options and follow-up care will also be available, helping connect people with ongoing mental health, alcohol and other drug services, housing support and other social services when required.
Grand Pacific Health Chief Executive Officer Adam Phillips said the organisation was pleased to partner with NQPHN to deliver the service.
“This centre is about making it easier for people to get help when they need it most. By offering free, walk-in mental health support without referrals or appointments, we’re removing barriers and providing a safe, welcoming place for people experiencing distress,” Mr Phillips said.
“Working in close partnership with NQPHN and Mackay Hospital and Health Service, we’re focused on delivering timely, compassionate care and helping people connect with the ongoing supports they need to stay well.”
Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Chief Executive Sean Birgan said regional data showed that mental health-related emergency department presentations had increased by 12.4 per cent between 2018-19 and 2023-24, with demand for severe mental illness projected to grow by 7.4 per cent.
“Across the Mackay HHS region, we are seeing increasing numbers of patients presenting to our facilities with complex mental health needs,” he said.
“Our focus remains on providing a variety of avenues to support these patients, from our Safe Harbour Crisis Support Centre next to the emergency department through to our purpose-built Step Up Step Down residential mental health facility which aids patients during periods of recovery and transition.
“Working together with other government and community support services provides the best way forward in continuing to tackle these complex challenges.”
Medicare Mental Health Centres form part of a national network of community-based services jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, designed to provide accessible mental health support and improve pathways to care across the system.
The Mackay Medicare Mental Health Centre is expected to be fully operational by July 2026 following a chosen site fit-out.
Read more about Medicare Mental Health Centres here.