The Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre officially opened today (15 April), providing a new, free, and accessible option for people in the Cairns region seeking mental health support.
Funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, the centre has been established through a partnership between Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS), and service provider Mind Australia.
The Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre, located at 267 Mulgrave Road, Bungalow, offers immediate, short, and medium-term support for people experiencing distress – including those in crisis, as well as individuals navigating difficult life circumstances or seeking early support – without the need for a referral or appointment.
A key feature of the Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre is its co-location with the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service’s Mental Health Acute Care Team and Crisis Intervention Service (CIS) phone line.
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Ben Tooth said the Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre represented a significant step forward in improving access to mental health care across the region.
“Everyone deserves access to timely, compassionate mental health support, and this centre provides a free, walk-in service where people can get help when they need it – no referral, no appointment, and no out-of-pocket costs,” said Mr Tooth.
“Its co-location with specialist CHHHS mental health services creates a more connected system, with smoother step-up and step-down pathways, and ultimately better outcomes for people across the region.”
Across the NQPHN region, around 130,000 people are living with mental illness, with many still presenting to emergency departments due to gaps in accessible community-based care.
The centre will play an important role in reducing pressure on emergency departments by providing an alternative, community-based option for people experiencing psychological distress.
CHHHS Chief Executive Leena Singh said: “The Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre provides an important new option for people in our community who are experiencing emotional distress or navigating challenging life circumstances.
“This new centre complements the work of our specialist mental health teams by providing a safe and welcoming space for people who may not require acute care but still need support.
“By offering immediate and short-term support, the centre will help individuals access the care they need early, before their concerns escalate.”
Mind Australia CEO Gill Callister said the centre provided compassionate, person-centred care for individuals, families, and carers.
“Mind Australia has a long history of supporting people and communities in the Cairns and Hinterland, dating back to the opening of Queensland’s very first Step Up Step Down service here in 2015,” Ms Callister said.
“Building on that strong foundation, we’re delighted to deliver the Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre, which represents the next evolution in how we support mental health and wellbeing in the community.
“These ground-breaking centres act as the front door to the mental health system – they deal with people’s lives, not just their symptoms, to help people address their challenges before they reach crisis point.”
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention the Hon Emma McBride MP, and Federal Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith MP were among the attendees at today’s official opening.
Medicare Mental Health Centres is a new approach to supporting people with their mental health and social and emotional wellbeing.