Healthy North Coast has welcomed the recent announcement by the Australian Government of a new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Tweed, which will improve access to high-quality, free mental health care for people in the region.

Funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, the centre will provide walk-in mental health support for people needing immediate, short and medium-term care, without the need for a referral or appointment.

The announcement was made by Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, and Justine Elliot MP, Member for Richmond, at Tweed Heads on Friday morning.

Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler was excited to welcome the funding for a new centre in the region, after the proven success of two centres already operating on the North Coast in Lismore and Coffs Harbour:

“Demand for mental health services on the North Coast continues to grow, and having a dedicated centre like this in Tweed Heads with 7 FTE clinicians and peer worker staff, means that people will be able to get the support they need, when they need it, at no cost,” Ms Wheeler said.

“We know Medicare Mental Health Centres work. In the six months from July to December 2024, our centres in Coffs Harbour and Lismore helped 831 people. 68% of these people showed a significant improvement in their mental health outcomes.1

“The top three reasons people attended the Lismore and Coffs Harbour centres were for anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and PTSD.”

“A new centre in Tweed Heads will complement existing services and ensure there is a clear pathway for people seeking help, whether they are experiencing a tough time, in distress, or need ongoing support,” added Ms Wheeler.

The Tweed Medicare Mental Health Centre is part of the national rollout of community-based mental health services, which are welcoming, nonjudgmental places where anyone can access free information, services, and support.

Once Healthy North Coast has received the funding from the Department of Health and Aged Care, we will begin a process of consulting with community around the service specifications and undertaking a competitive tender process to determine the service delivery partner to run the new centre.

The centre will open its doors to the Tweed community in late 2026.

In the meantime, Tweed locals can access the Medicare Mental Health Phone Service via 1800 595 212.

For more information on Medicare Mental Health services on the North Coast, visit hnc.org.au/mental-health-support.