A new Cairns mental health centre to provide essential support for free to those in crisis

A new, free mental health facility is set to open in Cairns with no appointment required.

Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls held a press conference at the Cairns Hospital with Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Leena Singh speaks to the media after the state government declared hormone therapies for new gender diverse patients under 18 years old will be paused at public health facilities while a review into the practice is conducted. Picture: Brendan Radke

A new, free mental health facility is set to open in Cairns with no appointment required.

Telehealth services and follow-up support will also be available and the centre will connect patients to ongoing care as needed, including services for alcohol and drug support, housing, and social services.

Named the Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre, the new facility will serve as a safe and accessible alternative to emergency department visits for those experiencing mental health distress.

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network chief executive Ben Tooth said mental health was one of the most significant health challenges facing the community.

“We know mental health is one of the biggest health challenges in our community, with many people experiencing distress and crisis,” he said.

“The centre will make a real difference, providing people with a supportive place to turn to during times of distress and crisis.”

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network CEO Ben Tooth. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

This new initiative is the result of a partnership between NQPHN, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, and Mind Australia, aiming to provide essential support during a time of growing mental health challenges in the region.

CHHHS chief executive Leena Singh said improving access to and the delivery of mental health services in the Far North was a top priority for the health service.

“This will allow individuals to have greater access to early intervention and ongoing support,” she said.

“This not only benefits those experiencing psychological distress but also supports their loved ones and contributes to the overall wellbeing of our communities.”

The new centre aims to provide a supportive space for individuals who might otherwise face long waits or struggle to find the care they need.

“Expanding mental health services in our community can help reduce the burden on our hospitals and emergency services,” Ms Singh added.

Mind Australia CEO Gill Callister expressed pride in being chosen to deliver the new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Cairns. Picture: Valeriu Campan

While the exact location is still to be determined, full services at the Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre are expected to begin by June 2025.

Mind Australia chief executive Gill Callister said she was proud to be chosen to deliver the new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Cairns.

“Mind has a proven track record of delivering high-quality, free, centre-based mental health support throughout Australia,” she said.

With Mind having operated in the Cairns and Hinterland region since 2015, Ms Callister said community-based support centres were crucial in helping people before they reach crisis point.

“We know that accessible community-based support like these centres can make all the difference.”

The centre is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, details on how to access the services will be available closer to the opening of the centre.

Originally published as A new Cairns mental health centre to provide essential support for free to those in crisis