Speaking on 31 July at its official opening, Open Minds CEO Kate Johnson said this demonstrates the centre was an urgent necessity.

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“It is changing lives within the community,” she said.

The centre is in the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre, located in Block B of the Community Village in Earl Street.

Coffs Harbour residents and visitors can access the Medicare Mental Health Centre via walk-in, with no appointments or referrals necessary.

It is free of charge for Medicare cardholders and will complement existing health services.

“It is a sobering reality that the mental health crisis in Australia continues,” said Ms Johnson.

She praised the advocacy, collaborations and partnerships that brought the centre to fruition.

“We have services that build hope, build independence and build positive lives.

“We need to keep standing united, we need to continue advocating together and collaborating within the community to get better quality and access to community mental health care.”

Monika Wheeler, CEO of Healthy North Coast, said it is estimated that 43 percent of Australians will experience mental health distress at some point in their lives.

“When you are experiencing distress, it is really important to know where to go for support and to know that a service is available locally to provide advice, support and connection to services,” she said.

“It’s vitally important that we have a range of mental health services in our region that can be easily accessed in these times of need.”

The Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride, attended the official opening.

“The Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre provides a safe space for people on the North Coast to seek the care they need, in person, without an appointment,” she said.

The centre is staffed by mental health and allied health professionals.

There is also access to a Social and Emotional Wellbeing Worker for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, with a focus on supporting care between the centre and Galambila Aboriginal Health Service.

“If you’re not able to visit the centre in person, I would encourage people to call the free Head to Health service on 1800 595 212,” said Ms Wheeler.

“Specialist staff can help assess your needs and connect you to care over the phone.

“This is also a great option for people seeking support, and I encourage our communities to spread the word about these much-needed support services.”

Open Minds has been operating for 112 years.

“Throughout its history, Open Minds’ heart has always been in supporting individuals to live more positive and independent lives, and that remains unwavering,” Ms Johnson said.

In its early days, the organisation supported veterans returning from world wars, supplying artificial limbs and giving treatment for shell shock, now known as post-traumatic stress disorder.

By Andrea FERRARI