A new free mental health service for children aged up to 12 and their families will open in Tuggeranong later this year.

The Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub is being fitted out. Outreach services will begin in July before the centre opens in late 2026.

The service will be operated by Marymead CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn, Grand Pacific Health, and Yerrabi Yurwang Child and Family Aboriginal Corporation.

Marymead CEO Anne Kirwan said the service would make it easier for children and families to access free, early support in a welcoming and culturally safe environment, without the need for a referral or diagnosis.

“By bringing together multidisciplinary care, lived experience support, and strong community connections, the Hub will provide a ‘no wrong door’ approach helping families navigate services with confidence and access the right support at the right time,” Ms Kirwan said.

The centre is being delivered by the ACT and Commonwealth governments as part of a national rollout of 92 Medicare Mental Health Centres, backed by an additional $267.3 million in funding.

Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, said the Hub was “good news for families in Canberra [with] a child struggling with their mental health and wellbeing”.

“Families will be able to get the wraparound care they need – delivered locally and free by a team of experts,” Ms McBride said.

ACT Minister for Mental Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said early intervention could change the trajectory of children’s lives.

“Reducing barriers to access by providing free drop-in and appointment-based services will make a world of difference for children, parents and carers,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

She said the involvement of Yerrabi Yurwang Child and Family Aboriginal Corporation would help ensure the service was culturally safe.

Canberra’s two Medicare Mental Health Centres have delivered more than 20,000 free walk-in sessions. The Tuggeranong centre has provided more than 1,800 sessions in less than a year, while the Canberra City centre has provided around 18,000 sessions. Up to 95 per cent of people reported a positive experience across both centres.

“More than 20,000 free mental health sessions is a significant milestone and shows just how valuable these services are for Canberrans,” Senator Katy Gallagher said. “Whether it’s someone in crisis, a young person looking for support, or a family member seeking advice, these centres are helping Canberrans get the care they need without worrying about cost.”

ACT residents can access free and confidential mental health support or information by calling Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212.