News
3 September, 2025
No referral, no worries
CABOOLTURE residents now have access to free, walk-in mental health support and care with the opening of the new Medicare Mental Health Centre at Pettigrew Street on August 22.
Caboolture is one of three newly opened Medicare Mental Health Centres, with another two having opened in Lutwyche and Strathpine. The centres offer free mental health support and care for people in distress, without the need for an appointment, referral or mental health treatment plan.
Staffed by multidisciplinary care teams, including mental health clinicians and peer workers, care is tailored to the needs of each person who visits the centres. The Commonwealth and State Governments delivered $12 million in funding for the establishment and operation of these three Medicare Mental Health Centres. The three centres were officially opened by Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP, and Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls MP.
Minister McBride said the Federal Government was putting mental health “at the heart of Medicare” and quality care in the heart of communities. “These new Medicare Mental Health Centres offer Northsiders a safe and welcoming place to access mental health support and care close to home,” she said. “Anyone may be impacted by mental ill-health, and these new centres offer everyone access to free support, without the need for an appointment or referral.”
Minister Nicholls emphasised the State Government was also committed to improving access to safe, high-quality mental health care for all Queenslanders. “Community-based centres like this are a vital step in strengthening our mental health system closer to home - ensuring more people get health services when they need them,” he said. “This in turn eases pressure on our emergency departments and helps people find the supports that are right for them.”
Federal Member for Longman, Terry Young, said local, community-based centres play a crucial role in making mental health care more accessible, helping people get the support they need, when and where they need it. “By providing the right care closer to home, we can also reduce pressure on emergency departments and connect individuals with services that truly fit their needs,” he said. “Mental ill-health can affect anyone, and these new centres provide free support to all—no appointment or referral needed.”
Mr Young acknowledged mental is “a complex issue” that affects communities at both local and national levels. “Collaboration ensures that both tiers of government take responsibility for addressing mental health needs comprehensively,” he said. “Joint funding allows for pooling of financial resources, which can lead to more effective and larger-scale services than if either level of government acted alone.”
State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan, added the centre will bring “real comfort” to many people in the area, as there is no need for a person to have an appointment, referral or mental health plan in order to be seen at this comprehensive new centre. “Access to free mental health services is essential for many members of our community,” he said. “With increasingly long wait times to see private practice psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as the expense, those services are out of reach for many local people who are experiencing mental health distress. This new Medicare Mental Health Centre will provide a vital additional layer to the mental healthcare mix in our community.”
Mr Ryan emphasised collaboration between Federal and State Governments is essential on certain projects, particularly those in the health sector. The Federal Government is establishing a national network of 91 Medicare Mental Health Centres, including 23 in Queensland. Across Brisbane’s Northside, additional Medicare Mental Health Centres will open in Redcliffe, Chermside, The Gap and Everton Hills. There are 42 Medicare Mental Health Centres open and supporting communities across the country, including 12 in Queensland.
The Medicare Mental Health Centre locations and opening hours are: Lutwyche: 566 Lutwyche Road – Monday to Friday, 9am – 4.30pm. Strathpine: 7/327 Gympie Road – Monday to Friday, 1pm – 5pm. Caboolture: Level 1/21 Pettigrew Street – Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm. People seeking information or support can be connected with Medicare Mental Health by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au.
