Free mental health support for all: Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre launches in Bondi Junction

Bondi Junction, NSW, Wednesday August 26: A significant step forward in community mental health support was marked today with the official opening of the Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre.

Delivered by New Horizons and commissioned by Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN), the centre provides free, walk-in mental health support for adults aged 18 and over – you do not need an appointment or referral.

The centre was officially opened by The Hon Emma McBride, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health.

New Horizons, one of NSW’s leading providers of mental health and wellbeing services, operates the Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre at Shop 1 & 2/241 Oxford St, Bondi Junction NSW 2022, one minute drive or five-minute walk from Bondi Junction Station. The centre is open weekdays from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm and everyone is welcome.

The Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre provides immediate support for adults experiencing distress or mental health challenges, including:

• Immediate help and follow-up for people in distress
• Support for people with mental health concerns
• Support for carers and families of people experiencing mental health distress
• Help connecting people with other services across health, mental health, housing, and employment

Luke Buckley, CEO at New Horizons, said the centre reflects the organisation’s commitment to accessible, community-based mental health care. “Bondi and the surrounding area is a vibrant, diverse community, but like everywhere, people here face real mental health challenges, and not everyone knows where to turn or feels they can afford to get help. The Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre changes that. By removing the barriers of cost, referral, and appointments, we’re opening the door for people who might otherwise struggle in silence. You can simply walk in, and someone will be there to help. That’s what accessible mental health care looks like, and we’re proud to be delivering it.”

The Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre is a service funded by the Australian Government and commissioned by CESPHN. It forms part of a national network of Medicare Mental Health Centres designed to make mental health support more accessible to all Australians.

Nathalie Hansen, CEO of Central and Eastern Sydney PHN, said: “The opening of the Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre reflects our commitment to building a more connected and responsive mental health system for communities across central and eastern Sydney. As the commissioner of this service, CESPHN is focused on ensuring people can access support at the right time, in the right place, and in a way that meets their needs. This centre will play an important role in connecting people with immediate assistance and ongoing care, while strengthening the network of mental health services available across Sydney’s east.”

The opening of the Bondi centre builds on New Horizons’ long-standing commitment to mental health support across NSW, ensuring more people in the community can access free, professional care when and where they need it most.

For more information or to access the service, visit newhorizons.org.au/bondi or call 1800 595 212.

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About New Horizons:

New Horizons is a not-for-profit organisation supporting people to live well by delivering tailored mental health, disability, and community services. With a strong focus on person-centred care, New Horizons delivers services across mental health, disability, homelessness, aged care, and youth support — working alongside individuals, families, and communities to create pathways to brighter futures.

About Central Eastern Sydney PHN:

Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) is a not-for-profit organisation with a focus on improving the health and wellbeing of people who live and work in Sydney, from East to South and the Inner West. CESPHN provides support and training to local health professionals and helps connect them to relevant services in the region to support their patients. CESPHN identifies the needs of people in the region and funds services throughout central and Eastern Sydney to meet those needs.

About Medicare Mental Health Centres:

Medicare Mental Health Centres are funded by the Australian Government to provide free, walk-in mental health support for adults aged 18 and over. No appointment, referral, or Medicare card is required. The centres are designed to provide immediate support to people experiencing distress or mental health challenges, and to connect them with longer-term services suited to their needs