Foreword
It is a great privilege to present the Chief Officer for Mental Health and Wellbeing annual report for 2024–25 to the Minister for Mental Health.
More than 93,000 Victorians accessed public mental health and wellbeing services this year, which is a slight increase on the previous year. This shows continued growth in demand across all age groups and service types. Adult consumers remained the largest cohort, with specialist, aged and child and adolescent mental health services also seeing modest increases. Women and girls made up just over half of registered consumers, and one in 3 consumers lived in rural areas.
This year marked an important signpost in Victoria's mental health and wellbeing reform journey. With the release of The next phase of reform: mental health and wellbeing in Victoria, we entered a new chapter – one that builds on the foundation years of reform since the 2021 Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System and sets a roadmap as we move to the next phase. It builds on all we have achieved and learned in the foundation years of reform. Our shared vision is a mental health and wellbeing system that delivers inclusive, personalised, compassionate, integrated care so all Victorians are supported to live and experience the life they want.
Throughout 2024–25 we have made meaningful progress towards this vision. We launched the Mental health and wellbeing outcomes and performance framework, placing lived and living experience at the centre of how we measure success. We opened new services, including Victoria's first residential eating disorders service and the Family Healing Centre for children aged under 11 and their families. We expanded the reach of Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, supported the growth of a diverse and skilled workforce, and deepened our partnerships with Aboriginal communities, diverse communities and people with lived experience.
We continued to embed the principles of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 across the system – ensuring dignity, autonomy, cultural safety and equity are not just aspirations but everyday practice.
This report reflects the collective effort of many: consumers, carers, families, clinicians, peer workers, community leaders and service providers. I thank you all for your commitment, courage and collaboration.
As we look ahead, we remain focused on delivering a system that is responsive, accountable and grounded in the voices of those it serves. Together, we are building a future where mental health and wellbeing is a shared priority – and where every Victorian is supported to thrive.
Pam Anders
Chief Officer for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Deputy Secretary Mental Health and Wellbeing
Department of Health
Current
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Contact email: dso.mentalhealthwellbeingdivision@health.vic.gov.au
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- Date published
- 08 Apr 2025
Reviewed 10 April 2026