What’s Happening?
The Redlands Medicare Mental Health Centre has officially opened at 40 Middle Street, Cleveland, offering free, walk-in mental health support for the community.
Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, inaugurated the centre, which is run by Footprints Community and funded by Brisbane South Primary Health Network through the Australian Government’s mental health expansion initiative.
The centre provides immediate, short-term, and medium-term mental health support, including community wellbeing programs, service navigation, and professional care. No Medicare card, GP referral, or appointment is required.
Why It Matters?
This open-door approach ensures free and immediate mental health support, reducing pressure on hospitals and emergency departments. The centre is a safe and welcoming place for people in distress or needing mental health resources. “The Albanese Labor Government is delivering for the Redlands with the new Medicare Mental Health Centre, making it easier for the community to get free mental health help quickly, without having to go to the hospital,” said Senator Murray Watt.
“It’s free for everyone who walks in the door, open for extended hours, and no appointment or referral is needed.”
Assistant Minister Emma McBride highlighted the national impact of this initiative: “With this new centre, residents across the Redlands will have access to high-quality mental health care and support close to home and at no cost.”
“Medicare Mental Health Centres put mental health care and support in the heart of communities, bringing care and support to more people, closer to home.”
Local Impact
The Redlands community now has greater access to mental health care without financial barriers.
The centre provides a holistic, multidisciplinary approach, including social workers, nurses, and peer support workers, helping people before they reach a crisis point.
“If you or a loved one need urgent mental health care, you don’t need to wait until things have reached crisis point. The centre is a safe and welcoming place where you can access confidential support,” said Senator Watt.
“The centre means the Redlands community can get the help they need, without worrying about cost, and it will take pressure off the emergency department at Redland Hospital.”
By the Numbers:
- $3.5 million invested by the Albanese Labor Government to establish the centre.
- Part of a $360 million nationwide plan to expand free, walk-in mental health services.
- 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres being rolled out across Australia, including 19 in Queensland.
- 33 centres already operational.
- $29.9 million additional investment to provide access to psychologists and psychiatrists in every centre.
Zoom In
The Redlands Medicare Mental Health Centre is operated by Footprints Community and offers services such as:
✔ Community Wellbeing Groups
✔ Mental Health Information & Resources
✔ Professional Mental Health Care
✔ Service Navigation & Wellbeing Coaching
Run with support from Brisbane South Primary Health Network (PHN), the centre operates Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM, ensuring accessibility for residents.
The official opening was attended by around 40 guests, including:
- Brisbane South PHN CEO, Mike Bosel
- Footprints Community COO, Ed Zarnow
- QLD Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Amanda Stoker MP
- Redlands Mayor, Jos Mitchell
- Councillor Paul Bishop
- Uncle Norm Enoch of the Quandamooka People (Welcome to Country)
Zoom Out
The Redlands centre is part of a broader national strategy to ensure mental health services are more accessible, community-focused, and free of charge.
All centres operate without the need for referrals, Medicare cards, or prior bookings, making mental health care simpler and more immediate for those in need. “The rollout of 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres, offering free, walk-in mental health support and care, is part of our plan to strengthen Medicare,” said Assistant Minister McBride.
What to Look for Next?
Further Medicare Mental Health Centres will open across Queensland and Australia, expanding access to free, professional support.
The Government’s $29.9 million investment will further enhance access to psychologists and psychiatrists at every centre.
Residents in Redlands are encouraged to visit the new centre in Cleveland for support—no appointment or referral required.
