Victorians now have even more places to turn to for mental health support, with seven new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals opening across the state since late 2025—including new hubs in Melbourne’s inner and outer suburbs.
The new centres, described as the “front door” to the state’s mental health system, opened in Cardinia, Darebin, Maribyrnong, Maroondah, Port Phillip, Wyndham and Mount Alexander (which will also serve Central Goldfields and Macedon Ranges).
Building A Growing Network
Each centre provides free, walk-in and community-based support—no GP referral or Medicare card required.
Unlike crisis-only services, these community Locals provide earlier help, offering care to people experiencing mental illness, psychological distress, or co-occurring substance use and addiction.
Services deliver support in person, through telehealth and via outreach—all tailored to each person’s goals and preferences. The approach also encourages families and carers to be part of the process.
The approach builds on the success of 15 existing Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals operating across 17 Victorian locations, helping more than 23,000 people access free care since their introduction.
Walk-in support is now also available at Bairnsdale, Lilydale and Melton, making it even easier for locals to get help when they need it most.
Backed By Victorian Government
This latest expansion marks a major milestone in the Victorian Government’s ongoing reform of the mental health system, a transformation sparked by the 2021 Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
The commission called for accessible, community-led services that remove barriers to support—a vision steadily becoming reality through initiatives like these.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said the new investment ensures “mental health care is available close to home—where people live, work and feel connected.”
Backed by a $34.4 million investment in the 2025–26 state budget, the Locals form part of the government’s broader $6 billion suite of mental health reforms since the Royal Commission report.
Over that time, Victoria’s mental health workforce has grown by about 25 per cent—an expansion that helps make community-based care more sustainable and responsive.
“Every new Local means more people can get help early, before things reach a crisis point,” said Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt. “These centres are about listening, connecting, and helping people find the right support—without judgement and without delay.”
It’s a model that’s quietly reshaping the state’s mental health landscape—one neighbourhood at a time.
For a full list of Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals across Victoria, visit Better Health Victoria.
