Mind has been chosen as the lead agency for two new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals located in Mount Alexander (servicing Central Goldfields and Macedon Ranges), and Cardinia.
The Victorian Government has announced a total of seven new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, which are set to commence service delivery before the end of 2025.
Once established, Mind will deliver the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Mount Alexander (servicing Central Goldfields and Macedon Ranges) in partnership with Bendigo Health, and the Local Service in Cardinia in partnership with Monash Health.
Mind currently manages the Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals in Bendigo and Echuca (servicing Greater Bendigo, Loddon and Campaspe), Dandenong (servicing Greater Dandenong) and Melton.
The new Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Mount Alexander (servicing Central Goldfields and Macedon Ranges) will link to the existing Mind-managed Mental Health and Wellbeing Local services in Bendigo and Echuca, benefiting from their established networks and operational practices. Likewise, the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Cardinia will link to the existing Mind-managed service in Dandenong.
Our new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals in Mount Alexander and Cardinia will make it easier for people in these areas aged 26 years and over to get mental health and wellbeing care and support closer to home. All support is free, voluntary and easy to access, and you do not need a referral from your doctor or a Medicare card to access help.
These services adopt a ‘how can we help’ and ‘open door’ approach, to enable more people to access the support they need, including those who have previously been unable to find the right care and/or experienced barriers to accessing services.
“The Victorian government is to be commended for its commitment to providing the community with access to fast, free and flexible mental health and wellbeing support. We know that accessible community-based support like the Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals can make all the difference in helping people address problems before they reach crisis point,” Mind Australia CEO Gill Callister said.
“Mind is excited to provide support to the Mount Alexander, Central Goldfields, Macedon Ranges and Cardinia regions, and continue our delivery of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals in Victoria.
“We look forward to working with Bendigo Health and Monash Health to help communities in need of mental health and wellbeing services to get the care and support they need when and where it’s needed.”
There are currently 15 Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals operational throughout Victoria, with planning underway for further locations. They are part of the Victorian government’s commitment to rebuilding Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system, and recommended as part of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
To find your nearest Mental Health and Wellbeing Local call 1800 332 501 or visit the Better Health MHW Locals page
Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are not crisis services. In an emergency which is life-threatening or where there is immediate risk of harm to anyone, call Triple Zero (000). For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders can also call 13 YARN on 13 92 76. 13 YARN is a 24.7 national crisis telephone service staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.