To identify a working model between rural and remote mental health services and the local GPs in Australia. Postal questionnaire to assess the GPs' satisfaction level with the involvement of the mental health services in their ongoing management of mentally ill in the community. There was a greater sense of satisfaction with the mental health services over the five years this program was implemented. This study offers a model on how a rural mental health service could enter into a shared care program with the local GP practice and achieve a greater level of satisfaction in serving the rural communities in Australia.