west footscray receives free MENTAL HEALTH care

The Carroll Labor Government is delivering free community-based mental health support for inner west locals.

Member for Footscray Katie Hall officially launched the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in West Footscray today.

The service has supported the community via telehealth since November 2025 – it will now expand to offer face-to-face care.

It is one of 22 Locals operating across 24 locations statewide.

The statewide network provides support and treatment for adults experiencing mental illness or psychological distress.

Importantly, to access care at a Local – you don’t need a Medicare card or GP referral and services are completely free.

The service is delivered by Co Health in partnership with Western Health, and located at 575A Barkly Street, West Footscray.

Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team of experienced mental health professionals, wellbeing staff and peer support workers.

Locals act as a ‘front door’ to the system making them an important tool in early intervention.

The network of Locals has already helped almost 50,000 Victorians.

The Locals are a flagship initiative from the Labor Government in response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

This year Labor has invested $34.4 million to strengthen the network and establish seven new locations across Victoria.

With a $40 billion cuts plan, Jess Wilson’s Liberal One Nation Coalition will close these services down and make it harder for Victorians to get the mental health support they need.  

For more information, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mental-health-wellbeing-locals.

Quote attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall

“People in Maribyrnong can now walk through the door and get the support they need, close to home and completely free.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt

“When someone needs mental health support, cost, paperwork and distance should never stand in their way.”