A one-stop shop for community mental health services in southern NSW will soon be a reality, with works to begin on the new Albury Brain and Mind Centre in January next year.

Member for Albury Greg Aplin joined Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies today to announce the tender was officially open for the refurbishment of the chosen site for the new centre.

“The NSW Government’s $3 million investment will see the Mercy Health site redesigned and modernised, to offer first class mental health services to the people of Southern NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Mrs Davies said the facility will offer a range of services and treatments for people living with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.

“With one in five people experiencing a mental illness at some stage in their life it’s vital we all receive the support we need to keep mentally healthy - regardless of whether we live in a metropolitan or rural area,” Mrs Davies said.

“Mr Aplin has been a strong and tireless advocate to improve mental health services in this community.”

The Centre will co-locate Albury-Wodonga mental health programs on the Mercy Health Albury site and include:

• space for community mental health services with offices and therapy areas
• comfortable waiting areas for people with mental health issues and their carers
• modern reception and clinical interview rooms, fitted out for all patients, from children through to adults and older people
• parking for visitors, patients and staff.

“I am delighted work is getting underway on the Albury Brain and Mind Centre. It is expected the centre will be up and running by July next year,” Mr Aplin said.

NSW is in the midst of a 10-year whole-of-government reform of mental health care, shifting the focus from hospitals, into the community.