People living in communities on the NSW-Victorian border will benefit from an expanded mental health workforce as part of a $2.8 million investment in Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) by the NSW Government.

Minister for Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said 25 extra mental health positions are being funded as part of the $80 million investment in mental health services and programs to address the impact of COVID-19.

“Our border communities continue to face unique struggles as they work to protect their livelihoods while abiding by the necessary public health orders,” Mrs Taylor said.

“This added stress and uncertainty can chip away at people’s resilience and mental wellbeing, which is why we are boosting local mental health supports to make sure these communities have help at hand when they need it.”

Eighteen of the positions are mental health support workers, while seven are clinicians, with recruitment underway in Albury, Deniliquin, Griffith, Temora, Tumut, Wagga Wagga and Young.

Member for Albury Justin Clancy said the expanded workforce will help support communities who have endured so much over the last six months.

“Even as the border restrictions begin to ease and we return to a new normal, it’s vital that residents continue to be vigilant about their mental health and take steps to safeguard it,” Mr Clancy said.

“The $2.8 million investment will boost the capacity of local staff to respond to more referrals to local services.”