Thursday September 8, 2022

Geelong and Barwon region residents now have better access to mental health support with the completion of Barwon Health’s McKellar Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre.

The Victorian Government’s investment into the Mental Health Beds Expansion Program has delivered 16 acute mental health beds at Barwon Health’s McKellar Centre.

On Thursday 8 September, Premier Dan Andrews and Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams MP officially opened our new 16-bed McKellar Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre.

The new facility, which started receiving patients on Monday 12 September, includes inpatient acute mental health services and community-based care in a contemporary high-quality hospital setting.

Designed in partnership with people who have lived experience of the mental health system – including consumers, carers and staff – the facility provides a safe and welcoming environment for people experiencing acute mental health concerns.

The new beds are a response to a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and will address critical demand pressures.