As announced in the 2024-25 Budget, existing Head to Health adult mental health centres are being rebranded as Medicare Mental Health Centres. This means that from 28 February our Hawkesbury and Penrith Head to Health Centers will now be known as Hawkesbury Medicare Mental Health Centre and Penrith Medicare Mental Health Centre.

While the name of our Centres has changed, they will continue to provide the same free mental health support our community has come to know, without the need for an appointment, referral or Medicare card.

In our region, people who have mental health concerns, or who care for someone with mental health concerns, can still access the Hawkesbury Centre located at 1 Musson Lane, Richmond. It will continue to provide support Monday-Wednesday and Friday 1:00pm to 5:00pm, Thursday and Saturday 1:00pm to 7:00pm, and public holidays 1:00pm to 7:00pm.

The Penrith Centre, located at 111 Henry St, Penrith, will also continue to offer support 7 days a week, 365 days a year from 1:00pm - 9:30pm (Monday, Wednesday – Sunday, including public holidays) and from 1:00pm - 5:00pm on Tuesdays.

Safe Haven Penrith still co-exists within the Penrith Centre and is not impacted by the rebrand. This free service provides a safe space for people seeking immediate mental health support, or experiencing suicidal thoughts, to receive compassionate and responsive assistance. No appointment or referral is required.

The current Head to Health Phoneline 1800 595 212 is still available Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm for those needing help to find the right mental health support. The Phoneline will also change to reflect the Medicare Mental Health branding in the near future.

Medicare Mental Health services will continue to ensure that people are accessing the right kind of service, at the right level of care for their needs, so that they have the best support for their individual recovery journey. We are committed to maintaining the delivery of quality mental healthcare across our region and look forward to continuing to support those who need it.

To learn more about other mental health services that we fund, visit our website.