Welcoming walk-ins, the new Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg Medicare Mental Health Centres are now officially open and fully operational, providing short- and medium-term mental health support to people over the age of 18. No referral or Medicare card is required.
The Hon Emma McBride MP, Australian Government’s Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, attended both official launches – joining the Bundaberg opening on 28 May and the Sunshine Coast opening on 29 May 2025.
Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health, Emma McBride, officially opens the new Wellways-led Medicare Mental Health Centre at the Sunshine Coast.
As both centres have already been providing services leading up to the ministerial launch, Ms McBride had the opportunity to meet team members and participants to hear about their experiences and insights. When speaking to the media, she emphasised how much these new services are needed.
“Medicare Mental Health Centres offer people a safe and welcoming place to access mental health support and care close to home.
“Anyone may be impacted by mental ill-health, and this new centre offers everyone access to free support, without the need for an appointment or referral,” Ms McBride said.
Services at both centres are delivered by highly trained, multidisciplinary Wellways and Clarity Health Care teams, which consist of clinical staff and peer workers. Peer workers bring their own lived experience of living with mental health challenges and are an integral part of the teams – ensuring that those who seek support feel seen, heard and understood.
Wellways Director of Services Nikki Wynne, CCQ PHN Deputy Director – Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs William Pitt, Assistant Minister for Mental Health Emma McBride and Clarity Health Care CEO Davis Lemke.
Alongside team members and participants on the Sunshine Coast, representatives from Wellways and Clarity Health Care were proud to present their new sites to the Minister and local journalists.
“We’re excited to officially welcome community members to their new Medicare Mental Health Centre on the Sunshine Coast, and we are grateful to Wishlist for sharing their facilities with us, and we are looking forward to future partnerships with this wonderful charity,” said Nikki Wynne, Director of Services at Wellways.
“We look forward to developing strong, trusted relationships across all regions to deliver personal and valued service experiences—guided by local people who have lived experience of mental health challenges.”
Speaking about both centres, Nikki added: “The new Medicare Mental Health Centres in Bundaberg and on the Sunshine Coast are an essential part of Wellways’ commitment to building an integrated, interdependent network of services that enhances accessibility to holistic care, supporting mental health and wellbeing across all communities.”
Davis Lemke, CEO of Clarity Health Care, said the Centre ensures people can access the right mix of support in one place.
‘With our team of psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists and nurses working hand in hand with Wellways peer workers, we’re delivering integrated, team-based care from one central hub — making it easier for people to get the right support, right when they need it,” Lemke said.
“The service is also designed to link in with other local services and help people navigate what’s next.”
Services are available in person, over the phone, or via video, ensuring care is accessible in a way that suits everyone.
Funded by Country to Coast, QLD, through the Australian Government’s PHN Program, both centres also offer support to family members, carers, and friends – recognising the key role they fulfil in someone’s mental health and wellbeing.
The Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg sites add to the growing network of Medicare Mental Health Centres across Queensland. Wellways and Clarity Health Care now deliver these vital services in Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg, and the Sunshine Coast.
Medicare Mental Health Centre Operations Manager Tayler Stevenson and Clinical Team Leader Jenny Melrose proudly present their new local service on the Sunshine Coast.
For more information about the Wellways-led Medicare Mental Health Centres, visit Medicare Mental Health Centres – Wellways.