Wednesday, 13 August 2025

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (09:53): The Allan Labor government is committed to expanding access to free mental health and wellbeing supports where people need them. Recently I had the pleasure of visiting the Brimbank mental health and wellbeing local to announce that Wyndham and Maribyrnong in Melbourne’s west will be two of the seven new locations included in the rollout of our locals. But that is not all that we have been delivering for Melbourne’s western suburbs. We have also established the new Brimbank Melton children’s health and wellbeing local in partnership with the Commonwealth, and it is providing free and easy access to health and wellbeing support for children and their families and carers. We have delivered a brand new mental health and wellbeing connect centre in Sunshine, centring the lived experience of families, carers and supporters of those struggling with mental health challenges. Connect centres provide carers the vital networks and wellbeing supports they need to keep caring for their loved ones. Whether it is new mental health beds at Western Health hospital or community-based services, I am proud that I am part of a government that does not just talk about mental health but gets on and delivers the services people need in Melbourne’s growing west, close to home, and I am very proud of the investments that we have made to date in my region.