New mental health support program for South Eastern NSW showcased in Nowra
23 April 2026
People with severe and complex mental health needs living in Nowra and across South Eastern NSW are benefitting from a newly implemented program, offering tailored, coordinated care at no cost to consumers.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips MP visited the MyRecovery program in Nowra today to learn of the positive impact for local participants in the first six months.
Mrs Phillips said MyRecovery began in November 2025 and is already providing much-needed, free support for those living with ongoing or complex mental health challenges in the Shoalhaven.
“The wrap-around support services for people entering or exiting intensive mental health care are clearly needed and, importantly, it means outreach services are now accessible for people living in villages and smaller communities,” said Mrs Phillips.
MyRecovery, delivered by Grand Pacific Health (GPH) in partnership with Shoalhaven Family Medical Centres (SFMC) is supported by COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN.
Juanita Murphy, Acting CEO of COORDINARE, said the program was developed following a comprehensive review of the complex mental health services commissioned by COORDINARE.
“MyRecovery, has already supported over 400 people since it began last year. It has been designed to provide people with more equitable, coordinated, and personalised support across the region.
“This program supports people wholistically, with mental health nurses helping to address chronic health conditions and preventable health risks that are common for people living with severe mental ill‑health. The includes access to coordinated physical health checks, medication support, health education, and help connecting with other health services,” she said.
“In the Shoalhaven the inclusion of peer workers is a new component of the local service, which means people benefit from the unique strengths offered by someone who has lived and living experience of mental health.
“Services are now available in more locations, at no cost to consumers, and delivered under a recovery-oriented philosophy. Importantly, the program includes outreach to smaller communities and telehealth to improve access. All individuals in the program will have access to both clinical and peer support,” said Ms Murphy.
Adam Phillips CEO of GPH said, “MyRecovery works with anyone in the community aged 12+ and has partnerships in place to ensure tailored and responsive support to young people (12–25 years), older people (65+) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“MyRecovery provides access to mental health clinicians, mental health nurses and peer workers to help you on your recovery journey,” said Mr Phillips.
Greg Davis of SFMC said, “Shoalhaven Family Medical Centres (SFMC) is delighted to be working in partnership with Grand Pacific Health to ensure our combined support can be as coordinated and personalised as possible.”
MyRecovery offers a broad range of supports including:
- Clinical care coordination
- Psychological therapies
- Peer support and education
- Physical health support
- Psychiatry support
- Care transitions and integration
- Telehealth
Ms Murphy added, “To minimise disruption and maintain continuity of care, people who previously received support through Integrated Recovery Services (IRS) or Rural Outreach Mental Health Service (ROMHS) - are now supported through MyRecovery or another service that best meets their needs.”
This initiative is supported by funding from COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.
Pictured above from left: Laura Eason (COORDINARE), Luisa Dematos, (Acting MyRecovery Service Manager), Jo Telenta (COORDINARE's Acting Director Wellbeing and Priority Population), Laurie Bassett (COORDINARE), Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips MP, Leteisha Driscoll (Shoalhaven Family Medical Centre), Nenah Connors (Credentialed Mental Health Nurse), Rhonda Simpson (Grand Pacific Health Acting Manager Specialist and Rural Programs) and Jayne Bradley (Peer Worker).
Referral to MyRecovery can be via the Medicare Mental Health phone line on 1800 595 212. Self-referrals are welcome.
For more information, visit coordinare.org.au or MyRecovery | Grand Pacific Health