It’s expected more than $42 million will flow through the western part of the state to meet specific mental health needs in the region.

And, it has the support of Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.

“Nearly half of the Australian population will experience mental illness at some point in their lives, but less than half will access treatment. That’s why this funding is extremely important,” he said.

“Primary Health Networks were set up as an independent regional health organisation to commission health services including mental health, in response of the needs of local communities.”

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The network includes Gunnedah, Moree and Narrabri and is expected to receive more than $76 million over the same period.

The funds support youth mental health, psychological therapy, severe and complex illness, community-based suicide prevention and Indigenous mental health.

Around 200,000 Australians accessed mental health services last year.

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