The service, led by Yea and District Memorial Hospital, is delivered in partnership with a number of local health service providers, including Seymour Health, Alexandra District Health, Northern Health and Goulburn Valley Health.
Funded by Murray Primary Health Network, the initiative addresses accessibility gaps in the region, offering free, non-urgent mental health consultations and brief intervention support in towns previously without this type of service.
Community members gathered on the official launch date at the Yea Town Hall to celebrate the initiative.
Attendees were addressed by Yea and District Memorial Hospital chief executive Elizabeth Sinclair, and representatives from each service provider in the partnership came together to mark the event.
“It is truly a privilege to stand before you today, not just as the CEO of Yea and District Memorial Hospital, but as a proud member of this community, to celebrate a truly significant milestone: the official launch of the Lower Hume Primary Mental Health Service,” Ms Sinclair said.
“This isn’t just another service; it’s a testament to what we can achieve when we come together, driven by a shared vision for the health and wellbeing of our rural communities.”
The service is set to deliver increased accessibility to mental health support in the region, with mental health clinicians now being based in Yea, Alexandra, Seymour and Kilmore.
The clinicians will aid individuals experiencing symptoms of mental ill health or mild to moderate emotional distress.
Ms Sinclair said the service was much-needed for the region.
“For too long, we’ve known the challenges faced by people living in Mitchell and Murrindindi local government areas when it comes to accessing mental health support,” she said.
“As we all know, sometimes the hardest part isn’t just asking for help, but knowing where to turn, especially when you live outside major metropolitan areas.
“That’s precisely why this service is so vital. It connects our community members with dedicated mental health clinicians right here in Yea, and in Alexandra, Seymour and Kilmore.
“It brings the support closer to home, reducing barriers to access.”
The service will provide locals with initial consultations with experienced mental health nurses, where they can talk through the challenges they are facing.
Follow-up sessions will focus on practical strategies and support to build resilience and improve mental health outcomes.
Beyond the increased access to support, Ms Sinclair said what made this service so significant was the partnership that brought it to life.
“This isn’t just a collection of names on a list; it’s a genuine, working partnership of local health services, deeply embedded in the fabric of our communities,” Ms Sinclair said.
“By managing and delivering these services locally, together, we are ensuring that the care provided is not only accessible, but also culturally appropriate and truly responsive to the needs of our residents.
“This collaboration means more people will have access to face-to-face mental health support closer to their home.
“It means a more sustainable system that supports our communities to manage and improve their health and wellbeing, right here, where they live.”
Community members can access the service via a referral from their GP, or they may self-refer.
An intake worker is available to guide individuals through the referral process and provide a referral form for GPs if needed.
For more information on how to book or self-refer, contact the intake worker from Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm on 5736 0418, or contact Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212.
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