Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centres, co-designed with individuals who have lived experience, are a key outcome of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. They represent a collective effort to create mental health services that are more compassionate, accessible, and responsive to the needs of individuals, families, carers, and supporters.
The Connect Centres offer peer-led support, which ensures that those seeking help are met by people who have faced similar challenges. Wellways, a leading provider of mental health and wellbeing services across Australia, has worked in partnership with the Victorian Government and partners Tandem and Satellite Foundation to bring the Gippsland and Barwon Southwest Connect Centres to life. Together, they have built a community-based approach to mental health care, where lived experience is at the core of service delivery.
During the recent opening in Gippsland of the Traralgon centre, Wellways CEO, Laura Collister highlighted the significance of these centres:
“This is not just a milestone for Wellways but a significant step forward for Victoria’s mental health system. It is a privilege to see this vision come to life, creating a space of hope and support for those who need it most,” Ms Collister said.
A Focus on Families and Carers
Wellways’ journey began over 45 years ago with a group of family carer advocates who recognised the need for change in the mental health system. That legacy continues today with the Connect Centres, which prioritise the unique needs of carers and supporters. These centres provide spaces where carers can access understanding, support, and practical resources – delivered by those who have lived through similar experiences.
Jennifer Bite, General Manager of Connection Coordination Victoria and Workforce Supports at Tandem Carers, highlighted the importance of receiving support from those who truly understand.
“It’s just a real sense of being able to be with people that have been through situations similar to your own and a safe place to be and feel like you belong.”
Elspeth Ball, Program Coordinator of the Connect Centre in Geelong, said:
“The Geelong community is known for its strong spirit of care and resilience, but families and carers often face their loved ones’ mental health challenges in isolation. This centre provides a dedicated space where they can find practical support, connect with others who truly understand, and build the strength they need to continue their important roles.”
A Statewide Network of Support
While the Traralgon and Geelong were some of the first Connect Centres formally to open across the state, other centres are also operational, providing a wide range of services. To find a location near you, visit the Victorian State Government’s Better Health website Connect Centre page.
Each Connect Centre offers a combination of peer support, community-building activities, and practical resources, providing hubs where those in need can find both understanding and assistance. These centres serve as places where knowledge, experience, and community connections are fostered.
For more information on the Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centres in the Gippsland and Barwon Southwest regions, visit the Wellways Connect Centre service webpage.