Thursday, 17 October 2024

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (10:00): I rise today to highlight the recent opening of the Geelong mental health and wellbeing hub – a major step forward in mental health services for the region. This five-storey state-of-the-art facility on Moorabool Street represents a new era in how we care for adults experiencing mental illness and addiction, offering a one-stop shop for triage and integrated wraparound care. Community members and their families will now have easier access to help that they need, and it is in a welcoming environment and a central location. This has been made possible by an $18 million investment by the Allan Labor government and stands as a key response to the recommendations made in the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. It is also the culmination of many years of work by Barwon Health’s mental health, drug and alcohol services team. This new initiative will save lives and ease the burden on mainstream hospital services. The mental health and wellbeing hub offers telephone, online, walk-in, at-home, education and outreach support, and it is delivered in partnership with Wellways and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative. Importantly, this free service requires no GP referral or Medicare card, breaking down barriers for those who need help. Additionally, it provides opportunities for hands-on placements for those studying allied health services at TAFE and university. This October, this very month, marks World Mental Health Month, drawing attention to the critical work being done to improve mental health and wellbeing within our community. I am confident that this new fantastic hub will play a crucial role in supporting the recovery journey of countless individuals in our community.