GOVERNMENT members visited Whittlesea Mental Health and Wellbeing Local to promote the next round of roles to the Graduate and Early Career Program, designed to bring new workers into the industry to help Victorians.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt was joined by Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio, Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage and Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny for the announcement.
These workers will be placed in Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals across Victoria – helping more Victorians get free mental health support close to home without needing a GP referral or Medicare card.
Acting as a ‘front door’ to the mental health system, the Locals offer free support and treatment for Victorians experiencing mental illness or psychological distress, including co-occurring substance use or addiction.
Support is delivered in-person, via telehealth and via outreach services with a care plan designed to reflect a person’s goals and preferences – family, carers and supporters can also be involved.
This new intake will establish 66 mental health roles across the community for graduates including positions in allied health, psychology, and postgraduate nursing; lived and living experience positions; wellbeing support roles and clinical educators and supervisors to support and guide graduates.
It follows the first intake which commenced in February and saw 27 roles established at Locals in Greater Geelong and Queenscliff, Bendigo and Echuca, Whittlesea, Frankston and Latrobe.
Together, the first two intakes of the program mark a major milestone – with every Mental Health and Wellbeing Local across Victoria now allocated early career roles, supported by dedicated supervisors and educators to strengthen care and support across the state.
Ms Stitt said it was an opportunity to continue to grow the mental health sector and protect Victorians.
“This program is backing the future of Victoria’s mental health system – giving passionate early career workers the hands-on experience, support and training they need to build long, rewarding careers supporting others,” she said.
“Every Local across Victoria will have early career mental health workers on the ground – supported by experienced educators and supervisors – helping more Victorians get the care they need, closer to home.”
Ms Kathage said it was an all-round opportunity to help communities.
“This investment is not just creating jobs – it’s building a stronger, more accessible mental health system that meets people where they are right in their own community,” she said.
Ms Halfpenny emphasised the importance to the City of Whittlesea.
“By supporting early career workers right here in the City of Whittlesea, we’re ensuring our community has the mental health care it needs now and into the future,” she said.
