General News
5 May, 2026
Free mental health help
A NEW free mental health service has opened in Cairns, offering walk-in support for people experiencing distress.
The Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre provides immediate, short and medium-term care for people across the region without the need for a referral or appointment.
The centre at 267 Mulgrave Road, Bungalow, has been funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement. It has been established through a partnership between Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) and Mind Australia.
NQPHN chief executive officer Ben Tooth said the facility would improve access to mental health care in the region.
“Everyone deserves access to timely, compassionate mental health support and this centre provides a free, walk-in service where people can get help when they need it – no referral, no appointment and no out-of-pocket costs,” Mr Tooth said.
Across the NQPHN region, about 130,000 people are living with mental illness, with many attending emergency departments due to gaps in community-based care.
CHHHS chief executive Leena Singh said the centre would provide an additional option for people experiencing emotional distress. “The Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre provides an important new option for people in our community who are experiencing emotional distress or navigating challenging life circumstances,” Ms Singh said.
The centre is open seven days a week. Call (07) 3317 1750 for support.
