Sydney opens first free mental health centre for children
Penrith's new Medicare Kids Hub opens in 2027. It offers free walk-in mental health support for ages zero to twelve.
Sydney's first dedicated children's mental health hub will open in Penrith next year. No referral is needed.
The hub serves kids aged zero to twelve with mild to moderate emotional, behavioural or developmental challenges. The centre is part of a $50.8 million joint investment by the state and federal governments.
Three similar hubs already operate in Wollongong, the Central Coast and Orange. They have delivered more than 17,000 appointments since opening last year.
The hub will include play areas, sensory spaces and six consulting rooms. A multidisciplinary team will staff it, including allied health, nurses, Aboriginal health workers and peer workers.
It's designed to serve families across western Sydney, the Hawkesbury and the Blue Mountains.
- $50.8 million
- Joint government investment
- More than 17,000 since opening
- Appointments from existing hubs
- Zero to 12-year-olds
- Age group served
- Wollongong, Central Coast, Orange
- Existing hub locations
Why it mattersEarly mental health support in childhood can prevent conditions from getting worse. This reduces strain on families who struggle to find affordable help.
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