The Minns Labor Government is delivering better mental health care for our regions with a new, purpose-built mental health unit in Tamworth opening to patients within weeks.
It’s part of efforts to build a better New South Wales where everyone has access to life-saving support, no matter their postcode.
Delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, the new facility in Tamworth will expand access to modern, compassionate mental health care for people across the New England region.
Final preparations are underway, with a comprehensive operational commissioning program to ensure a safe and smooth transition for patients from the existing Banksia Unit in the coming weeks.
The new Tamworth Mental Health Unit includes:
- Four adolescent inpatient beds, providing a new specialist service for young people in the region
- 25 general adult beds, including a high-acuity zone
- an eight-bed older persons’ area.
A new bridge connecting the unit to the main hospital will make it easier for patients to access a broader range of health services, supporting more integrated, patient-centred care.
The facility has been designed with input from staff, people with lived experience, the Tamworth Mental Health Carer’s Network and the local community. It has been shaped to support recovery and connection and features a forecourt plaza, courtyards, an atrium, and a dedicated family room to bring people together during care.
The local Aboriginal community also played a key role in the design of the unit, ensuring the space is culturally inclusive.
The interior design draws inspiration from the local landscape, reflecting the mountains and skyline, while the exterior references the three rivers surrounding Tamworth, giving the building a strong sense of place.
The facility incorporates artwork from 12 artists from across the region, selected through an open expression of interest, which clinical staff were involved in.
Mental health services will continue to operate from the existing Banksia Unit until the transition is complete, with continuity of care maintained throughout.
The Minns Labor Government is investing in the infrastructure our regions deserve, ensuring people across the state can access high-quality mental health care close to home.
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson:
“This new Mental Health Unit is a game changer for the New England region, with the community now having access to modern, purpose-built mental health care closer to home.
“This is about more than just delivering more beds, this is about creating new specialist services and a genuinely therapeutic environment designed to support recovery and make a real difference for those who need it in the region.
“It’s exactly the kind of care we want to deliver as a government. This reflects our commitment to more connected and culturally inclusive care and to ensuring patients, families and staff feel supported at every step.”
Quotes attributable to Dr Anand Swamy, Executive Director, Mental Health Services, Hunter New England Local Health District:
“The opening of the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit marks an important step forward in expanding and improving mental health services for the community. It provides a modern, safe and supportive environment for people when they need care most.
“This new facility will make a real difference for consumers, carers and families by increasing access to specialist care closer to home, in a space designed to support recovery with dignity.”
