Ballarat left without mental health walk-in clinic others have
Ballarat remains the only major regional centre in Victoria without a Mental Health Local. It is a free walk-in service for adults.
Geelong, Bendigo, and Gippsland have them, but Ballarat does not. Mental Health Locals are free walk-in services.
They serve adults aged 26 and over. No GP referral or diagnosis is needed.
Sean Duffy is chief executive of Ballarat Community Health. He said people are "crying out for help" and should have received it by now.
Mind Australia is calling for a Local in Ballarat as part of a $161 million election platform. Regional communities face higher rates of mental distress and suicide but have less consistent access to services.
Unlike specialist clinics, a Local offers immediate, open-door support before residents reach crisis point.
Why it mattersRegional people have higher mental health risks. They have fewer places to turn for support. A gap forces them toward emergency departments.
AustraliaBallarat residents lack the free, walk-in mental health service available to people in other Victorian regional cities.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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