By Natalee Kerr
Geelong is set to receive a $14 million adult mental health centre if the Liberal government is elected at this month’s federal election.
Liberal MP Sarah Henderson announced the investment on Wednesday morning alongside Liberal candidate for the seat of Corio Alistair Thomson.
Ms Henderson said the fully-funded Geelong centre is one of eight new facilities across Australia and the only centre of its kind in Victoria.
“The Geelong community suffers mental health illness at a rate that is actually higher than the national average,” Ms Henderson said.
Ms Henderson described the centre as a “headspace for adults” to support those suffering from mental illness particularly at times of “crisis”.
“This is going to have a range of mental health care professionals,” she said.
“Rather than going to the emergency department and rather than people suffering and not getting the help they need, they’ll be able to go to this centre and get the urgent care.”
Mr Thomson said the facility was a “big win” for the Geelong region.
“I am so pleased the needs of our area have been acknowledged and that a walk-in community mental health centre will be based here,” Mr Thompson said.
The centre will operate over extended hours and will allow people to walk-in without a prior appointment.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the centres provide an “inclusive” mental health service that caters for “everyone”.
“Our hope is that these centres will be the first steps towards a complete transformation of the mental health system in Australia,” he said.
The first centres are expected to open in 2021, but no site has yet been determined for the Geelong location.
