Wednesday, 18 February 2026

 Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (18:32): (2327) My adjournment matter tonight is directed to the Minister for Mental Health. It was fantastic to hear that the minister has officially opened the mental health and wellbeing local in Darebin, which is now operating across two sites in Northcote at High Street and Separation Street. This launch provides a front door for the inner north to the mental health and wellbeing system, which is entirely free of charge. What makes this model so transformative is that it removes the traditional barriers to care. Our constituents do not need a GP referral or even a Medicare card to walk through the door and get help. This is a direct flagship reform born from the 2021 Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. By delivering this service through Neami National in partnership with Northern Health, we are ensuring that clinical expertise is paired with compassionate, community-led support. We know that the demand is there. Across Victoria more than 33,000 people have already accessed this type of local service. With our government’s most recent budget including an investment of a further $34.4 million to strengthen the network, we are proving that only Labor are serious about making health care accessible. Having a safe and welcoming environment for those dealing with mental health challenges, including co-occurring substance use and addiction, is vital for people’s mental wellbeing. I am incredibly proud to see this service now offering in-person care in my electorate. The action I seek is for the Minister for Mental Health to provide information on how the government is working to ensure that our local communities in the Northern Metropolitan Region are being made aware of this new model of care.