Previously operating from temporary sites, these much-anticipated facilities now serve as the permanent local front door for free, accessible support for adults aged 26 and over. A multidisciplinary team of clinicians, wellbeing staff, and peer workers provide flexible, tailored support to meet individual needs.
“Our Local Services aim to break down barriers to accessing care,” said Nikki Wynne, Director of Services at Wellways. “By integrating lived experience, local expertise, and clinical support, we’re creating a safe and welcoming entry point for people to get the help they need, when and where they need it.”
Co-designed with community members and local consortium partners , centres feature inclusive, purpose-built spaces—such as a prayer room, art rooms, and open community areas—tailored to reflect and support local priorities.
“As you explore our centres, you’ll see that every detail was shaped through thoughtful consultation with the community,” Wynne added. “This is truly a collective celebration, and we’re beyond excited to see the result of our shared efforts come to life.”
More than 100 guests attended the openings, including Victorian Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt, Mental Health and Wellbeing Commissioners, consortium partners, local community leaders, and members.
Touring the facility with staff, Minister Stitt praised the new centres for being lived experience informed and thoughtfully designed. She said both would fill a critical gap in the state’s mental health system. “What this is about is giving people the help they need where they live as early as possible.
“They support people whose needs are more complex than a GP can manage, but don’t require hospital care—taking pressure off our hospital system and providing care closer to home,” she said.
In attendance at the Wangaratta opening was Victorian Treasurer and Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, who shared a personal reflection: “As someone who has grown up here and had family members that have had mental health challenges without anywhere to go decades ago, to have the place-based facilities that people can walk in without a Medicare card and without a referral is a game changer,” she said.
“In country areas I know that it can be challenging to get the help you need, which is why as a government we are priotising mental health.”
Mental Health and Wellbeing Commissioners Jacqueline Gibson and Annabel Brebner said the new Local Services were a powerful response to the Royal Commission’s call for people to be heard in their mental health journeys.
“These are not just buildings—they are safe, respectful, and inclusive spaces, deeply shaped by lived experience,” she said. “You can feel the Royal Commission’s vision come to life in these spaces—they’re warm, welcoming, and designed with people in mind.
“This is the future of mental health care in Victoria.”
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local team in Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie and Moira
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local team in Wangaratta
Around 60 dedicated staff support the Wangaratta and Shepparton centres, delivering personalised one-on-one and group support across surrounding regional communities.
Renee Hayden, Chief Executive Officer of APMHA HealthCare—one of the three consortium partners supporting Shepparton’s Local Service—highlighted the value of this collaborative model expanding reach and impact of services: “With our shared vision to deliver a welcoming, no-wrong-door service that is free and accessible, the partnership is committed to establishing high-quality, evidence-based mental health services.”
Wellways is expected to roll-out three further locations in regional Victoria this year, in addition to the previously opened Benalla and Frankston facilities.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Lilydale supporting the Yarra Ranges community
With the Yarra Ranges recording some of the highest rates of psychological distress and long-term mental health conditions in Victoria, the opening of the free Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Lilydale marks an important milestone in providing accessible, community-led support.
Welcome to Country led by Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Perry Wandin.
“With the Locals we are changing the way in which people can put their hand up and reach out for help and start the recovery journey,” said Ingrid Stitt, Minister for Mental Health. “That is because we are not creating another clinical experience, we are creating somewhere where people feel comfortable to come, somewhere they can talk to someone who gets them.”
The Yarra Ranges community continues to face housing insecurity, homelessness, unemployment and financial instability. Family violence remains a significant issue. The Local Service works alongside community services to form a wraparound system of support, so people can connect to what they need, when they need it.
Sarah, a participant at Local Services, pictured with her Peer Navigator Mel — a key support in her recovery journey.
Sarah, a Yarra Ranges resident and participant at the Local since February, shared how the service has transformed her life.
“I would not be here if I did not make that call. I had hit rock bottom, but the Local helped me get back up again,” she said. “I called from the front of the ED and spoke to Mel, who is now my peer navigator and one of the most important people in my life.
“The Local is now my second home, and all the staff are like my extended family.”
Nikki Wynne, Director of Service Delivery at Wellways, acknowledged the collective effort behind the service.
“The Local does not operate in a vacuum. We are part of a community services ecosystem, and I want to acknowledge the collaboration and commitment of our consortium partners and local services who walk alongside us in this work.”
Over sixty guests attended the launch, including current participants, co-design contributors such as Shane — who cut the ribbon following a heartfelt Welcome to Country led by Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Perry Wandin.
Among those in attendance were Mental Health Commissioner Jacqueline Gibson, consortium partners Dr Tamsin Short from Access Health and Community, Kristen Stanner from Eastern Health, and Amanda Hand from Oonah, alongside Mayor of Yarra Ranges Jim Child and Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino MP.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt (centre), together with representatives from local government, Wellways, partner organisations, and co-design participants, cut the ribbon to mark the official opening.
Rescue dog Boo Boo — one of the regular four-legged visitors at Local Services Lilydale.
