It is now easier for Victorians to get free, community-based mental health care, with the official opening of the permanent Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Lilydale.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt celebrated the opening of the new Lilydale Local site on Thursday 9 October – developed with community members and people with lived and living experience.
“Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are making it simpler for Victorians to access free, walk-in support whenever they need it – with no referrals or Medicare card needed, just care that’s close to home,” she said.
The Local will support the Yarra Ranges community with a range of clinical and wellbeing mental health supports via in-person walk-ins and appointments, telehealth and outreach services – all free of charge with no Medicare card or GP referral required.
Acting as a ‘front door’ to the mental health system, Victoria’s network of Locals provide support and treatment for adults experiencing mental illness or psychological distress, including co-occurring substance use or addiction.
Services at the Locals are delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experienced mental health professionals, wellbeing staff and peer support workers, and is designed to meet the diverse needs of the community.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Lilydale is led by Wellways Australia in partnership with Eastern Health, Access Health and Community and Oonah Aboriginal Health and Community Services.
“This is a fantastic milestone for our community – this service means people in the Yarra Ranges can get the help they need locally, without having to travel far or face barriers to care,” Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino said.
A flagship reform of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, the Locals have already supported close to 28,000 Victorians to access free, community-based care.
Building on the existing Locals, the Labor Government recently announced seven new Locals will soon open across the state, bringing the total number of Locals to 22 across 24 locations.
The Victorian Budget 2025/26 invested $34.4 million over two years to support the 17 existing locations, establish these seven new locations and continue community-based mental health care across Victoria.
People across the Yarra Ranges area can now access the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local located at 61-65 Anderson Street, Lilydale on weekdays from 9am to 5pm and on weekday public holidays from 10am to 4pm, with extended hours to come.
