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People in Sydney’s west will soon have expanded access to free, walk-in mental health support at the Canterbury Medicare Mental Health Centre, thanks to a funding boost from the Federal and New South Wales governments. 

Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, The Hon Emma McBride MP, and Minister for Home Affairs, the Arts, Cyber Security, Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, The Hon Tony Burke MP, visited the Canterbury Medicare Mental Health Centre to announce the $8.3 million funding boost from the Federal government, which will enable the centre to expand and hire additional staff. The New South Wales government will provide additional funding. 

Medicare Mental Health Centres provide locals with walk-in access to free and confidential mental health care, information and support, without needing a referral, Medicare card or an appointment. 

Staffed by qualified mental health professionals and people with lived experience of mental health challenges, the centre provides immediate support to people in distress, including their families and carers. It can also connect people with other support services, such as housing and employment assistance, to support them in the future. 

Assistant Minister McBride says the announcement is part of an initiative to expand and enhance the Medicare Mental Health network across Australia. 

“Medicare Mental Health Centres allow people to get vital mental health care, as well as other support, without an appointment,” Assistant Minister McBride said. 

“The Canterbury Medicare Mental Health Centre has helped hundreds of people already and this expanded service will allow even more locals to access support.” 

Medicare Mental Health Centres allow people to get vital mental health care, as well as other support, without an appointment.
- The Hon Emma McBride MP, Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Since it opened in February 2023, the Canterbury Medicare Mental Health Centre has supported more than 650 people – they have included people at risk of suicide, young people, First Nations people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness. 

“With this investment, people in the area will have better access to mental health care when they need it most,” Minister Burke said. 

“No one should ever be forced to delay their mental health care because it’s too expensive.” 

Executive Director One Door Mental Health and Group Transformation , Kathi Boorman, says the Canterbury Medicare Mental Health Centre epitomises Mind and One Door’s holistic approach to mental health support.  

“Initiatives such as the Canterbury Medicare Mental Health Centre emphasise our commitment to providing high-quality, individualised, and person-centred support to the people who access our services, as well as their families and supporters,” Ms Boorman said. 

“Initially established as a small, community-based satellite, this centre has consistently met and surpassed expectations. As we look to the future, I’m confident that together as part of the Mind Australia Group we can strengthen the existing network and expand our services across New South Wales and Australia, ensuring that people with mental health challenges receive the comprehensive care they need from a diverse range of mental health professionals.” 

The Canterbury Medicare Mental Health Centre is delivered in partnership with Central and Eastern Sydney PHN and managed by One Door Mental Health – a proud member of the Mind Australia Group. 

The Canterbury centre is the first Medicare Mental Health Centre delivered by the Mind Australia Group, with a second on the way in Cairns after Mind Australia was announced as its service provider. 

The Canterbury Medicare Mental Health Centre is located at Level 1, Suite 10, 1205 Canterbury Road, Wiley Park (NSW). Locals who are not able to visit the centre in person can call 1800 595 212 to speak to an experienced professional to receive advice or a referral to a service that meets their needs. For more information about the Medicare Mental Health Centres visit the Department of Health’s website.