Residents in Lismore and surrounding communities have gained expanded access to mental health support, with a specialist clinician appointed to work alongside local police and the launch of a new mobile crisis outreach team.
The State Government says the initiatives form part of broader efforts to strengthen mental health services across New South Wales, particularly in rural and regional areas where access can be limited.
A mobile Suicide Prevention Outreach Team (SPOT) is now operating from the Lismore Community Mental Health Service. The team comprises specially trained clinicians and peer workers who provide on-the-ground support to people experiencing a crisis, suicidal distress or who are at risk of self-harm.
Following an initial assessment by Lismore Base Hospital’s emergency department or the NSW Mental Health Line, people identified as being at risk of suicide can be referred to the SPOT team. Care is delivered in the community, including in people’s homes, with the aim of reducing barriers to support and easing pressure on hospital emergency departments.
In a further expansion of services on the North Coast, a mental health clinician has commenced work with Richmond Police Area Command under the Police Ambulance and Clinical Early Response (PACER) program. The program pairs mental health clinicians with NSW Police and NSW Ambulance to respond to people experiencing acute mental health episodes.
The clinician works directly with first responders at the scene, supporting the recognition, assessment and management of mental health emergencies. The government says the program has demonstrated early de-escalation of crises and reduced avoidable emergency department presentations in other parts of the state.
The initiatives sit alongside broader reforms, including the rollout of Medicare Mental Health Centres offering free walk-in support. In 2025, the Medicare Mental Health Centre in Lismore was the most utilised in NSW. The government has also highlighted the introduction of the Suicide Prevention Act 2025 and a $106 million investment in community mental health programs supporting more than 1,900 people a day with severe mental health conditions.
Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said the government was focused on improving access to care statewide.
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring we improve access to safe, high-quality mental health care to everyone who needs it including those in our regional and rural communities,” Ms Jackson said.
“Both the Suicide Prevention Outreach Team and PACER services can be life changing for those who need it, ensuring the community gets more appropriate care at the time when they need it most.
“Experience elsewhere in NSW has shown the presence of a PACER clinician at a police station increases the knowledge and understanding of mental health issues among officers, providing real time social and clinical information during an emergency.”
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said police were often first on the scene during a crisis.
“Police carry an enormous responsibility and are often the first on the scene when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis,” Ms Catley said.
“This rollout makes sure that our officers are backed by specialist health professionals, so people receive the right care. It’s about giving police the support they need and delivering better outcomes for the community.
“Mental health is a critical issue in every community. By partnering police with clinical experts, we’re building a more compassionate and effective response when people really need it.”
Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said she had long advocated for the PACER program in the region.
“Mental health support is a top priority for me, and I am incredibly pleased to see these two vital services hit the ground in Lismore to provide the care our community deserves,” Ms Saffin said.
“I have long lobbied for the PACER program to be permanently established in our region because I know how much it matters to have a mental health clinician working directly with our local police and paramedics. Having a specialist on the scene during an emergency ensures a compassionate, health-led response that de-escalates crisis situations and keeps people out of the ED when they can be better supported in the community.
“The launch of the Suicide Prevention Outreach Team (SPOT) is another significant boost. By providing mobile, on-the-ground care where people feel most comfortable, we are breaking down the barriers to accessing help.
“These investments are about making sure that when someone in our community reaches out for help, they get the right support, at the right time, right here at home.”
NNSWLHD Acting Executive Director Mental Health Tamahra Manson said the services would expand real-time support in the community.
“We’re excited to expand our support to people experiencing a mental health emergency by offering care and support when and where it matters most – in real time, as it is happening, in people’s homes or out in the community,” Ms Manson said.
“The Suicide Prevention Outreach Team program has been extremely well received by local consumers since launching in November and we are confident of a similar response to the PACER program which went live in February.
“We expect these two programs to have a significant positive impact for the Lismore community who have been so traumatised by flooding disasters in recent years. We will be able to provide early links to community and welfare services for those in need, complementing services already on offer at Lismore Community Mental Health Service.”
Richmond Police District Superintendent Dave Roptell said the addition of a clinician would support frontline officers.
“Our officers often arrive at incidents to find someone suffering acute mental distress, and having a dedicated mental health clinician working alongside us is an invaluable addition to the way we serve the community,” Superintendent Roptell said.
“The PACER model means we can better identify what someone needs in the moment and ensure people in crisis are connected with the right care as early as possible.
“This partnership strengthens our ability to keep both the individual and the wider community safe. It’s a practical and compassionate approach to policing, and we are already seeing the positive impact it can have.”
Anyone experiencing mental health concerns can contact the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. The 24-hour statewide service connects callers with trained professionals who provide advice, conduct brief assessments and recommend appropriate care. The service is free.
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