RIGHT in the heart of Ipswich’s CBD, a quiet but critical service is changing the way locals access mental health support.
Since opening its doors in 2024, the Ipswich Medicare Mental Health Centre has delivered more than 13,000 occasions of care, offering free, walk-in mental health support to people across the region — no appointments, referrals or mental health plans required.
The centre, located on Level 1 of the Eats Building at the Nicholas Street Precinct, was visited this week by Emma McBride, Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, alongside Shayne Neumann, the Federal Member for Blair.
Designed to remove common barriers to care, the Ipswich centre provides immediate support for people experiencing distress, as well as tailored, ongoing assistance for those with more complex needs.
The service is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of mental health clinicians and peer workers, ensuring support is flexible, practical and centred on each individual’s circumstances.
The Ipswich centre is part of the Federal Government’s broader rollout of Medicare Mental Health Centres, aimed at embedding mental health services directly into local communities.
Nationally, 50 Medicare Mental Health Centres are now operating, with 91 planned across Australia, including 24 in Queensland. The Ipswich facility was the 25th centre to open nationally in 2024.
The Federal Government has committed $27.37 million to establish and operate the Ipswich Medicare Mental Health Centre.
Assistant Minister Emma McBride said the centres were reshaping access to mental health care.
“The Albanese Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and services in the centre of communities,” she said.
“Since opening in 2024, the Ipswich Medicare Mental Health Centre has provided free care to thousands of locals seeking support.
“These centres create a new front door to mental health care by removing barriers to access.”
Mr Neumann said the centre filled a long-standing gap for the Ipswich community.
“Mental health is a significant issue in our region, and locals deserve to be able to access support when and where they need it,” he said.
“That’s why I fought hard to establish the Ipswich Medicare Mental Health Centre in 2024.
“People can now access free, walk-in mental health care close to home as part of strengthening Medicare.”
