MEDIA RELEASE: Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre to support community recovery

2 February 2026

Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) announced the opening of a temporary Medicare Mental Health Centre in Bondi on Friday, 30 January. The centre will provide free, accessible mental health and wellbeing support to the community following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack in December.

The centre has been funded through the Australian Government’s Bondi Mental Health Support Package, with CESPHN asked to rapidly establish services in response to the community’s immediate needs. CESPHN CEO Nathalie Hansen said the Medicare Mental Health Centre reflects the strength of local partnerships and the shared commitment to supporting recovery.

“CESPHN is deeply grateful to the Australian Government and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, for their swift action in providing funds to establish the centre,” Ms Hansen said. “Our longstanding relationships with mental health providers meant we were able to mobilise quickly and ensure the community has access to trauma informed care when it matters most.”

The Centre is operated by New Horizons, a leading provider of mental health supports. who established the interim service in under four weeks. CESPHN also acknowledged the support of local community organisation JNC in providing temporary space while a permanent site is sourced.

The Medicare Mental Health Centre offers free, confidential support for anyone in the community, including those who have never accessed mental health services before. Medicare Mental Health centres are designed to be easy to access, with no referral or appointment required. People can receive support by visiting the centre in person or by calling the national Medicare Mental Health phone line for advice and connection to appropriate services.

Medicare Mental Health provides a range of options to help people find the right care, including face-to-face support at local centres, phone-based guidance from trained professionals, and online resources for those who prefer to explore information at their own pace.

“These services are designed to meet people where they are,” Ms Hansen said. “Whether someone wants to speak to a professional, visit a centre, or simply learn more about mental health in their own time, Medicare Mental Health ensures support is available in a way that feels safe and accessible.”

The temporary centre in Newland Street Bondi Junction will operate while CESPHN works with partners to establish a permanent Medicare Mental Health Centre in Bondi, ensuring long-term access to mental health and wellbeing support.

This service has been made possible through funding provided by the Australian Government under the PHN Program.

The Centre is located at JNC at 59 Newland Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022. Call 1800 595 212 to contact the centre.

About Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network:

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.

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Media Contact

Sarah D’Arcy

Marketing and Communications Manager, Central and Eastern Sydney PHN

P: 02 9304 8687 E: s.darcy@cesphn.com.au

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