The Locals act as a ‘front door’ to the mental health system and, staffed by fully qualified mental health professionals, already have a successful history in regional and metropolitan Victoria.
Through the Locals, shire residents, along with those from Greater Shepparton and Strathbogie, will have access to walk-in mental health care and support without needing a GP referral.
Support is delivered in person, via telehealth, and through outreach services.
A care plan is designed to match patient goals and preferences – family, carers and supporters can also be involved, pending patient permission.
The government plans to have 50 such services around the state by 2026, and Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt has hailed the plan as game-changing.
“The providers are incredibly experienced, with teams of highly qualified mental health professionals who understand the importance of this initial support in reducing the need for more acute care in the future,” she said.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes has also backed the move.
“It’s great to know that mental health care for people in the Goulburn Valley will soon be available in their backyard. Community-focused mental health care means residents can access life-changing services,” she said.
Mental health problems are seen in more significant numbers in Australia’s regional and rural areas than in metropolitan areas.
The organisation Beyond Blue has recently called for urgent mental health care reform, as new data shows that 3249 people in Australia died by suicide in 2022.
On average, nine people kill themselves in Australia daily, three-quarters being men.
