Contract awarded for community mental health facility in Broome

A construction contract has been awarded for a $4.9 million community mental health facility in Broome, 10 years after it was first raised under a Liberal-National State Government.

EMCO Building was announced this month as the successful contractor for the proposed six-bed residential facility which, once built, will be at the Yinajalan Ngarrungunil Health and Wellbeing Campus.

While a construction start date is yet to be confirmed, civil works at the campus were completed last November.

Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey said the project demonstrated the government’s commitment to delivering purpose-built infrastructure that supported better mental health outcomes for regional communities.

“Locating the facility at the Yinajalan Ngarrungunil Health and Wellbeing Campus ensures it is accessible and integrated within the community,” he said.

The Broome Step Up/Step Down service will provide short-term community-based mental health support for adults in the Kimberley.

Designed to operate in a safe, home-like setting, the facility will enable people to stay close to family, friends and local supports while receiving treatment.

The Step Up/Step Down model is intended to reduce pressure on hospitals by supporting people who are transitioning out of inpatient care or who may be at risk of hospital admission.

Health and Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat said the Broome Step Up/Step Down service was an important addition to mental health services in the Kimberley.

“This service will help people manage their mental health and avoid hospital stays, ensuring they receive the right care at the right time,” he said.

Residents will be supported to develop practical strategies to manage their mental health, establish healthy daily routines and strengthen coping skills.

The service will also focus on helping people reintegrate into their communities, with tailored support aimed at maintaining wellbeing after discharge.

The Broome project is part of the State Government’s broader $4.9 billion investment in health infrastructure, including the expansion of Step Up/Step Down services across WA.

The Goldfields’ step up/step down service was officially opened by then-premier Mark McGowan in January 2021.

Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said partnering with Nyamba Buru Yawuru on the Yinajalan Ngarrungunil Health and Wellbeing Campus would provide a range of health services for the community.

“It’s great to see the Broome Step Up/Step Down reach another exciting milestone, with a contract now awarded for construction,” she said.