Residents across Lismore and the Northern Rivers will continue to have access to free, drop-in mental health support, with funding extended for three Safe Haven sites to operate until 30 June 2026.

Commissioned by Healthy North Coast on behalf of the NSW Government in response to the 2022 floods, these sites are operated by The Buttery and are located in Lismore, Mullumbimby and Murwillumbah. They offer the community a friendly, safe, and non-clinical environment for immediate mental health and well-being support.

Between July 2022 and April 2025, 18,500+ hours of counselling was provided and almost 19,000 people supported through on-site clinicians in Safe Haven centres.

There was also a significant increase in access to the services between July and September 2025, with a 26% increase in people seeking support compared to the previous three months.

Safe Havens were originally commissioned for three years by Healthy North Coast in 2022 through the NSW Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Flood Recovery Package, off the back of the devastating floods in the Northern Rivers region. This extension is possible due to an additional $1.1 million in NSW Government funding.

The Safe Haven sites operate Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm and provide both clinical and non-clinical support. They also collaborate with other local services to connect visitors with housing support, flood recovery assistance and community activities.

Locations

• Lismore | 46 Magellan Street (next to Lismore Regional Gallery)
• Mullumbimby | 15 Tincogan Street (behind Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre)
• Murwillumbah | Shop 10-12/41-45 Murwillumbah Street

The Safe Haven site that was previously in Woodburn closed in October 2025 due to lower community demand.

For more information, visit safehavennc.org.au.

Monika Wheeler, CEO Healthy North Coast, said, “It’s a relief to know we can keep these doors open for longer.

“We’ve seen just how much the community values these welcoming spaces – where people can drop in, speak to someone, connect with peer workers and take a breath. That’s even more important as the region continues its recovery journey. We thank the NSW Government for ensuring people in the Northern Rivers can continue accessing this great support.”

Tracey Maisey, Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive, said, “Safe Havens are about dignity, compassion and hope. Extending funding means we can continue to offer a space where people feel safe, respected and understood at their most vulnerable moments. 

“They show people that they matter, that help is close by, and that they are not alone. For our Northern NSW communities, where distance and isolation can make accessing support harder, Safe Havens provide a lifeline and a sense of belonging when it’s needed most.”

Leone Crayden, CEO of The Buttery, said, “I have worked in many mental health programs in my career. The Safe Haven model is one of the best in terms of its flexibility and providing a safe non-clinical alternative to emergency department admission.

“It provides mental health services, wellbeing and suicide prevention to all members of the community. A true no wrong door approach. We’re pleased to be able to keep offering this service until mid-2026.”