Mental health unit unveilinga boost toregional services

REGIONAL mental health services have received a boost with the official opening of a $56m facility in Tamworth.

The Tamworth Mental Health Unit, which will service the North West region including Gunnedah and Narrabri shires, includes 25 general adult beds including a high-acuity zone, an eight-bed older persons area, and four adolescent inpatient beds providing specialist services to young people.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson welcomed the facility’s opening and said it marked the final capstone on a long campaign to improve mental health services in the region.

“The Tamworth Mental Health Carers Support Network led by Don and Di Wyatt have campaigned for this upgrade for almost a decade with their lived experience as carers critical to the development of this new unit,” Mr Anderson said.

The project had previously been funded and planned under the previous Coalition government.

“This is a 37-bed facility that will be one of the best in regional Australia, delivering modern, compassionate mental health care for people from Tamworth and the entire New England North West,” Mr Anderson said.

“The facility delivers improved patient safety, better therapeutic spaces, greater dignity and privacy, access to modern treatments, support for families and carers, and better links with the rest of the hospital.

“Local artwork also adorns the walls and local native plants throughout the gardens give a real local touch.

“I want to thank the Tamworth Mental Health Carers Support Group and Hunter New England Health for their continued support of this project. Without the tireless work of local advocates, the dream of building this new unit would not have been possible.”

NSW Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson described the facility as a game-changer for the 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,” Ms Jackson said. “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.”