Full circle for new Medicare Mental Health Centre manager

18 Jul 2025

What do the Medicare Mental Health Centres in Gosnells and Armadale offer the community?

Medicare Mental Health Centres offer free, accessible and confidential mental health support for adults from qualified mental health clinicians and support workers.

At both the Armadale and Gosnells centres, people can walk in any time for immediate support or to book an appointment for counselling – no cost, no requirement for a Medicare card, and no need for a referral or Mental Health Care Plan.

As well, our Armadale centre is open every evening until 8.00pm and every day of the year, including weekends and public holidays.

How are the centres different to other mental health supports?

Medicare Mental Health Centres are designed to complement, not duplicate, other mental health services in the area, and enable everyone in our community to receive the level of support that is right for them, even if they can’t afford to pay for private counselling or psychology.

We can also link people in with other service providers where that would be beneficial, so they can receive cohesive and well-rounded support.

What attracted you to the manager role at this service?

I have lived most of my life in the Armadale area, and making a positive contribution and connection in this community has always been important to me.

I have worked further afield in Perth - most recently as the manager of a community alcohol and drug service in Midland - but I was excited by the opportunity to draw on that experience while leading a service that supports the wellbeing of the community I call home.

What is your vision for the service?

Right from the start, the Armadale and Gosnells Medicare Mental Health Centres were co-designed with the community (at the time they were known as Head to Health). I think it’s really important that we continue striving to understand the needs of the community and develop the service in a way that best meets those needs.

There is a lot of diversity in the Armadale/Gosnells area and we want everyone, from all backgrounds and walks of life, to feel comfortable engaging with the service, whether just dropping in for a chat or attending ongoing appointments.

How do Medicare Mental Health Centres welcome people who come in?

People who walk into one of our centres are welcomed by a support worker with lived experience of mental health challenges and/or a qualified mental health clinician.

They can expect to be really listened to, without judgement or shame. We work with every individual (and, where appropriate, their carer/family) to understand their needs, goals, values and strengths, and to work out a way forward collaboratively.

In everything we do, we are guided by the values of St John of God Health Care (respect, compassion, hospitality, justice and excellence) and its vision to provide healing, hope and a greater sense of dignity, especially to those most in need.

How do you find balance in your life and promote mental resilience?

I spend time with my family, get involved in my church, exercise, do some work around the yard and play music. Finding balance is always a work in progress and it looks different for everyone, but I think it really is one of the most important strategies for wellbeing.

St John of God Health Care operates four Medicare Mental Health Centres in the Perth metropolitan area. Armadale and Midland are open seven days from 10.00am to 8.00pm, while Gosnells and Mirrabooka are co-located within medical practices and open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm. You can simply walk-in to this free service – no referral, appointment or Medicare card needed. Find out more at wapha.org.au/mmhc or phone 1800 595 212.