Media event date:<\/p>\n
6 May 2026\n<\/p>\n
Date published:<\/p>\n
6 May 2026\n<\/p>\n
Media type:<\/p>\n
Media release<\/p>\n
New and expectant parents in South West Western Australia will soon have access to free mental health care with a Perinatal Mental Health Centre to be established in Bunbury.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Emma McBride MP, made the announcement in Bunbury today.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Bunbury Perinatal Mental Health Centre is funded by the Australian Government and will be operated by Gidget Foundation Australia.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The centre will offer free psychological support for new and expectant parents throughout the perinatal period.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Parents with a GP referral and mental health care plan will be provided free in-person or digital tele-health services with a psychologist.<\/p>\n
The Australian Government is providing $39.2 million to establish a network of 20 Perinatal Mental Health Centres across the country, ensuring all new mums and dads can access support if they experience depression or anxiety.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Almost 100,000 Australians are estimated to experience mental health challenges during the perinatal period each year.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The new centre is expected to provide mental health support to approximately 780 parents each year.<\/p>\n
Gidget Foundation Australia operates Perinatal Mental Health Centres, also known as Gidget Houses, in Joondalup and Harrisdale, which are funded through Medicare.\u00a0<\/p>\n