Walk-in mental health clinic opens on Far South Coast to make sure people get the 'help they need'

People across the Eurobodalla can now access a free, walk-in mental health service.

The new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Moruya will provide on-the-spot support for people in distress and ongoing care for more complex mental health needs.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said it was important for everyone in Eurobodalla Shire to have easy access to mental health support when they needed it.

“I’m so pleased to have provided federal funding for this crucial service,” she said.

The free clinic is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, and does not require an appointment or referral.

“Walk-ins are welcome and peer support workers can help people navigate a range of mental health services and connect them with the best service for their care needs,” she said.

“People can also call the centre directly for assistance.

“The centre will improve access to and awareness of mental health care, especially for people who haven’t accessed mental health supports before.”

Mrs Phillips said the centre was a welcoming, friendly space that would cater for the health needs of the local community.

“This is such an important service for our region, and I hope that everyone who walks through the door finds the support they need,” she added.

“The free centre means Eurobodalla residents can get the help they need, without worrying about cost, and it will take pressure off the hospital emergency departments.”

The clinic will be operated by Grand Pacific Health, and will work alongside a range of mental health services – such as The Family Place, Directions Health Service, Katungul, and headspace Batemans Bay – to provide whole-of-community support.

The centre is staffed by a multidisciplinary care team, featuring social workers, nurses and peer support workers, ready to provide wraparound support and care.

Across Australia, there are 33 Medicare Mental Health Centres open, including one in Nowra that opened in October 2024.

“I’m proud to have delivered this service, as well as the free Medicare Urgent Care Clinic at Batemans Bay and the free bulk-billed South-Eastern NSW Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at Milton,” Mrs Phillips said.

“The Labor Government is delivering on its promise to provide more doctors, more health workers, and more accessible, affordable health care for people in Gilmore.”

Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride said the rollout of 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres across the country was part of the Albanese Government’s plan to strengthen Medicare.

“The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare by investing in mental health services in the heart of communities,” she said.

“For people across the Eurobodalla, the Medicare Mental Health Centre in Moruya offers walk-in, free and quality care from a multidisciplinary care team.”

To boost access to specialist care, the government is investing an additional $29.9 million in providing access to psychologists and psychiatrists for every centre.

The Medicare Mental Health Centre is located at 7-9, 73 Vulcan Street in Moruya. People can find out more by calling 1800 595 212 or by visiting the Medicare Mental Health Centres page.

If this story has raised any issues for you, you can call Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line on 13 11 14.