The Sunshine Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre has officially opened the doors to its new, purpose-designed location at in Wishlist House, 1 Bright Street Birtinya, opposite the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, giving locals a more welcoming and permanent place to get free mental health support.
The Centre is delivered by Wellways, in partnership with Clarity Health Care, and offers care from a multidisciplinary team including peer workers, psychologists, social workers, nurses and psychiatrists. Anyone aged 18 and over can simply walk in; no appointment, referral or Medicare card needed.
Operating since July 2024, the Centre has already supported more than 3,160 occasions of service. The new permanent location has been chosen to further improve service visibility and access for people who may not know where to turn.
The fitout of the site was shaped through a local codesign process to ensure it felt warm, safe and welcoming from the moment people walked through the door. The space features calming colours, low-sensory lighting and comfortable consultation rooms that reflect the service’s person-centred model of care.
The Centre was officially opened on Thursday 29 May by The Hon Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Minister for Rural and Regional Health. A media release from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing can be found at here.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“The Albanese Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and quality care in the heart of communities.
“The new Sunshine Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre offers people a safe and welcoming place to access mental health support and care close to home.
“Anyone may be impacted by mental ill-health, and this new centre offers everyone access to free support, without the need for an appointment or referral.”
Quotes attributable to Minister Nicholls:Â
“The Crisafulli Government is partnering with the Federal Government to improve access to mental health services on the Sunshine Coast.
“We will continue to work with the Federal Government and seek their support to improve access to safe, quality mental health care for all Queenslanders.
“Services based in local communities are a vital step in strengthening our mental health system closer to home and ensuring more people get help early, before reaching crisis point.
“This in turn also eases pressure on our emergency departments and helps people find the supports that are right for them.”
Funded by Country to Coast Queensland (CCQ) through the Australian Government’s PHN Program, the Sunshine Coast Centre is part of a growing national network of Medicare Mental Health Centres that bridge the gap between general mental health care and crisis or hospital-level support.
“This new home represents more than just a new address. It’s about creating a space where people feel safe, respected and supported,” said Julie Sturgess, CEO of CCQ.
“The investment in this Medicare Mental Health Centre reinforces the commitment of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and the Queensland Government to the health of the Sunshine Coast community and I thank them for their contuinued support.
“Sunshine Coast locals have embraced this service since it opened last year, and this permanent site ensures we can continue to offer walk-in, no-barrier support for people when they need it most.”
According to the 2021 Census, 32,217 people in the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area reported living with a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression — around 1 in 9 residents. That figure is likely to be even higher today.
“You don’t need a diagnosis to get help. You don’t have to wait for a GP referral. Whether you’re in distress, overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, this service is here for you,” Ms Sturgess said.
“We’re excited to officially welcome community members to their new Medicare Mental Health Centre on the Sunshine Coast, and we are grateful to Wishlist for sharing their facilities with us, and we are looking forward to future partnerships with this wonderful charity,” said Wellways Director of Services, Nikki Wynne.
“We look forward to developing strong, trusted relationships across all regions to deliver personal and valued service experiences—guided by lived experience.”
Ms Wynne also confirmed that the new Medicare Mental Health Centres are an essential part of Wellways’ commitment to building an integrated, interdependent network of services that enhances accessibility to holistic care, supporting mental health and wellbeing across all communities.
Davis Lemke, CEO at Clarity Health Care, said the Centre ensures people can access the right mix of support, in one place.
‘With our team of psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists and nurses working hand in hand with Wellways peer workers, we’re delivering integrated, team-based care from one central hub — making it easier for people to get the right support, right when they need it,” Lemke said.
“The service is also designed to link in with other local services and help people navigate what’s next.”
The Sunshine Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. Locals can drop in or call 1800 595 212 for free, confidential support.
Sunshine Coast joins permanent Medicare Mental Health Centres already operating in Rockhampton, Gladstone and Bundaberg, with more to come nationally as part of the Government’s ongoing investment in accessible free mental health care.
A community open day is also planned at the Centre in the coming months, giving residents the opportunity to meet the team and explore the new space.
“These Centres are designed for people in distress who need more than early intervention. We’re proud that the Sunshine Coast now has a permanent base as part of this vital national network,” said Ms Sturgess.
Reference – 2021 Sunshine Coast Mental Health Statistics: https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/LGA36720
ENDS
For more information:
Sunshine Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre
Located at Wishlist Centre, Ground Floor, 1 Bright Place, Birtinya QLD 4575
Get Directions
Open Mon-Fri 10am to 5pm
Medicare Mental Health Centres – Wellways
Medicare Mental Health freecall 1800 595 212 for free and confidential mental health phone support across the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay and Central Queensland regions.
Visit https://c2coast.org.au/medicare-mental-health/
Caption: Wellways Director of Services, Nikki Wynne, Country to Coast, QLD A/Director Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs, William Pitt, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Minister for Rural and Regional Health, The Hon Emma McBride and Clarity Health Care CEO, Davis Lemke at the Sunshine Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre official opening today, located at 1 Bright Place, Ground Floor Wishlist Centre, Birtinya.
Caption: The Sunshine Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre fitout located at 1 Bright Place, Ground Floor Wishlist Centre, Birtinya was shaped through a local codesign process to ensure it felt warm, safe and welcoming from the moment people walked through the door.
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