Green Valley, NSW – Residents of Werriwa are set to benefit from improved access to free, public mental health services, with a new Medicare Mental Health Centre to open in Green Valley under a billion-dollar initiative by the Albanese Labor Government.
The announcement forms part of Labor’s $1 billion national mental health investment, designed to expand access to early intervention and ongoing support services for Australians of all ages and mental health needs.
The new Green Valley facility will provide free, walk-in mental health care, offering both immediate support for people in distress and comprehensive care for individuals with more complex mental health challenges. The centre will operate with a multidisciplinary team comprising social workers, nurses, and peer support workers, ensuring holistic and wraparound care.
To enhance specialist support, the Albanese Government is committing an additional $29.9 million in the 2024–25 Budget to ensure all Medicare Mental Health Centres—such as the one in Green Valley—can offer services from psychologists and psychiatrists.
The Green Valley centre is among 31 new or upgraded Medicare Mental Health Centres, supported by a $225 million election promise from Labor. The broader mental health package also includes:
Over $200 million for 58 new or expanded headspace services across Australia
$500 million to establish 20 Youth Specialist Care Centres for young Australians with complex needs
$90 million to fund more than 1,200 training places for mental health professionals and peer workers
A new national early intervention service, launching from 1 January 2026, will offer free mental health support without the need for referrals or out-of-pocket costs. This service is expected to support around 150,000 Australians annually.
Federal Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley, welcomed the announcement, stating:
“Labor wants everyone, especially young people, to be able to access the mental health care they need.
The Medicare Mental Health Centre in Green Valley will provide Australians in Werriwa with the free mental health care they or their family need.
Whether you need short-term support or ongoing care, young or old, we will ensure that a free, mental health service backed by Medicare will be there for you and your family.”
The initiative also aims to reduce pressure on private psychologists, in contrast to proposals by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton that critics argue would increase demand for private care, drive up gap fees, and lengthen wait times.
All projects will be delivered in accordance with the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles, ensuring transparency and accountability in funding.
This move marks a significant step in addressing the growing mental health needs of communities across Australia, particularly in regions like Werriwa, where access to affordable, quality care remains a key concern.
