A new Family and Carer-led Centre in the Grampians region is one step closer with a service provider appointed.

Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams today announced Mind Australia will deliver support for Victorians across the Grampians region – with the centre to open later this year.

The service delivers on a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System which called for Family and Carer-led Centres to be established in eight locations across the state.

The Andrews Labor Government has invested $54.5 million to deliver the centres which will provide a welcoming and supportive space for families, carers and supporters of all ages – with no need for a referral and at no cost.

The new centres will be led by people with lived experience as a carer and will provide information, networks, resources, and access to hardship funds.

There are currently more than 60,000 Victorians providing mental health care to family and friends. Caring for a loved one can be challenging, and these new Family and Carer-led Centres will provide a range of services to support those with carer responsibilities and their own wellbeing.

The centres are co-designed by families, carers and supporters, in partnership with Tandem – a trusted voice for carers, families and supporters in mental health, while the service delivery model has been developed with people with lived and living experience.

The Andrews Labor Government has invested over $6 billion in mental health and wellbeing over the last three years – the largest investment in mental health in Victoria’s history – with work underway on 90 per cent of Royal Commission recommendations.

Quote attributable to Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams

“The Royal Commission recognised that family and carers are an undervalued part of the mental health workforce – these centres will fix that and give them the support they need and deserve.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“This new centre in the Grampians will provide the support families and carers deserve – reducing burnout and ensuring better care for Victorians experiencing mental health challenges.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“This is an important step, we are providing a centre for carers and families in Ballarat to help support both them and those they care for.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“This brand-new centre will not just be a boost for Ballarat, but our entire region – giving tailored information and supports to rural and regional Victorians when they need it most.”