Thursday October 1, 2026
The Bellarine’s mental health response is better placed than ever before, following the opening of new Portarlington outreach site.
The outreach site, which joins the Greater Geelong-Queenscliffe Mental Health and Wellbeing Local network, represents an important addition to mental health care in the region.
A smoking ceremony on Tuesday morning marked the opening of the site, which was provided with help from Bellarine Community Health.
The opening is an important milestone for the partnership between Bellarine Community Health and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local consortium, bringing mental health and wellbeing support closer to people living on the Bellarine Peninsula. 
Barwon Health Co-Director Mental Health Drugs and Alcohol Services Bethany McClelland welcomed the new addition to the region’s mental health network.
“The opening of the Portarlington site marks a major milestone for Greater Geelong and Queenscliffe and will form a vital cog in the region’s mental health care system,” Ms McClelland said.
“I’d particularly like to thank Bellarine Community Health for partnering with us and for their openness and commitment to working together to support the Bellarine community.”
Bellarine Community Health Chief Executive Officer said the opening would assist locals in Portarlington and surrounds.
“Today is not simply about a new outreach location – it is about making support more accessible, strengthening community connections and ensuring that people living on the Bellarine can access the help they need, closer to home,” Ms Russell said
Headquartered at Barwon Health’s Central Geelong Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub on Moorabool St, the Greater Geelong-Queenscliffe Mental Health and Wellbeing Local provides free services to residents without the need for a mental health care plan or Medicare card.
It is one of 20 Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals set up across Victoria as part of a state government initiative which began rolling out in late 2022.