The Victorian Government is continuing its work to build a reformed mental health and wellbeing system centred around community – giving people in the Werribee District access to the support they need, when they need it, close to home.

As part of the work, expressions of interest are now open for the Chair of a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Interim Regional Body.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas said the Interim Regional Body will give a voice to local communities ─ bringing together people with local knowledge and expertise to advise and guide Government on the unique mental health and wellbeing needs of communities across the state.

The Interim Regional Bodies were a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, and will be based in the three metropolitan regions of North-East, South-East and Western metro as well as in the Grampians, Loddon Mallee, Hume, Gippsland and South-West areas of regional Victoria.

Each body will consist of a Chair and five members – including at least one person with lived experience of mental illness or psychological distress, and at least one person with lived experience as a family member or carer.

In its final report, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System set out a 10-year plan to rebuild the system from the ground up, recommending a significant transformation to the way decisions are made in relation to Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing services.

The eight Interim Regional Bodies are an intermediary step towards regional governance, which will be cemented by the establishment of the legislated Regional Mental Health and Wellbeing Boards across Victoria by the end of 2023.

For more information, including how to apply, visit boards.vic.gov.au.

To build the state’s new mental health system that meets the needs of all Victorians, the Victorian Budget 2021/22 invested a record $3.8 billion in mental health and wellbeing services and support.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support you can call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health James Merlino

“Our future mental health system will be responsive to people who need it most, with services that are safe, tailored and localised – and that’s why we need the expertise of community members from every corner of our state.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“The opportunity for Werribee locals to be part of the planning process from the beginning will help us create the best, tailored mental health and wellbeing services, supports and treatments that will meet the needs of the community.”