The Hon Emma McBride MP

Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health

Anne Urquhart MP

Member for Braddon

BURNIE MEDICARE MENTAL HEALTH CENTRE POP-UP NOW OPEN

North West Tasmanians now have access to free, walk-in mental health support and care with the opening of a new temporary pop-up Medicare Mental Health Centre in Burnie.

Located at 52-56 Bass Hwy, Cooee, the pop-up service offers free mental health support and care for people in distress, without the need for an appointment or referral.

Staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including mental health clinicians and peer workers, care is tailored to the needs of each person with wraparound support for people with more ongoing needs.

The pop-up service will support Burnie and the wider region while a permanent Medicare Mental Health Centre is established, to be located at the Burnie Health Hub, and expected to open in late-2026.

The Albanese Government is establishing a national network of 92 Medicare Mental Health Centres, including 5 in Tasmania.

There are 51 Medicare Mental Health Centres open and supporting communities across the country, including centres in Launceston and Devonport. With additional centres being established in Glenorchy and Brighton.

The Burnie Medicare Mental Health Centre is commissioned by the Tasmanian Primary Health Network and operated by Stride.

People seeking information or support can be connected with Medicare Mental Health by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:

“The Albanese Labor Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and quality care in the centre of communities.

“For North West Coast locals, the new pop-up Burnie Medicare Mental Health Centre offers a safe and welcoming place to access mental health support and care.

“We’re delivering support close to home, and the new pop-up service will make sure people can access care while the permanent centre at the Burnie Health Hub is established.”

Quotes attributable to Anne Urquhart, Member for Braddon:

“This temporary pop‑up Medicare Mental Health Centre is a much‑needed boost for the Burnie and surrounding communities, giving people free, walk‑in support when they need it most.”

“Too many locals have struggled to access timely mental health care, and this service means help is now available without delay, without a referral, and without cost.”

“While the permanent centre is being built at the Burnie Health Hub, this pop‑up ensures no one falls through the cracks.”

“I’m proud to be part of an Albanese Government delivering practical, person‑centred services that make a real difference to the lives of Tasmanians.”

WEDNESDAY, 4 FEBRUARY 2026