- Work is underway on a new $18.1 million community mental health and specialist eating disorder clinic in Greenfields, near Mandurah
- The new clinic will provide outpatient, day and community-based treatment
- It is part of the broader Peel Health Campus redevelopment
Construction is underway on a new $18.1 million facility for the Peel Community Mental Health Service (PCMHS) and Kara Maar Specialist Community Eating Disorder Service (SCEDS) - in Greenfields, near Mandurah - as part of the Peel Health Campus redevelopment.
The project marks a major step forward in improving access to mental health and eating disorder support in Western Australia and will provide outpatient, day and community-based treatment in a purpose-built facility.
In a first for the Peel region, a community facility offering these services will be embedded in the community rather than linked to a hospital.
The facility will deliver adult and older adult mental health services, as well as outreach services for eating disorders.
Funded through the Commonwealth's Community Health and Hospitals Program, the new clinic will bring together clinicians and support teams in a contemporary, research-backed environment designed to support recovery.
SHAPE Australia has been appointed to complete the design and construction of the fit-out.
Site works have commenced, including internal concreting and structural preparations to the existing building. The next phase will see the internal structural ceiling and wall concreting and perimeter framing begin to define the clinic's internal footprint.
The Kara Maar SCEDS clinic will have a dedicated entrance, private consultation and treatment rooms and spaces designed to support recovery in a safe, welcoming environment.
The name Kara Maar means sustaining hands and was developed in consultation with Noongar Elders and community members, symbolising nourishment, support, and healing.
The new clinic forms part of the broader Peel Health Campus redevelopment, and is a major enabler of the initiative, freeing up space for the main works on site which will include:
- a new mental health emergency centre;
- a reconfigured emergency department and additional operating theatre;
- expanded outpatient and imaging services;
- additional inpatient beds;
- additional palliative care hospice beds; and
- additional chemotherapy places.
As stated by WA Senator Ellie Whiteaker:
"The expansion of the Peel Health Campus and the construction of Kara Maar Specialist Community Eating Disorder Service will provide specialist, dignified care in the Peel region, ensuring people can access the treatment they need closer to home.
"This project reflects the strong partnership between the Cook Labor Government here in WA and the Federal Albanese Labor Government, which is making record investments in mental health infrastructure and services across Australia to deliver purpose-built community services like Kara Maar ensuring that more Australians get the right care at the right time.
"By embedding these services in the community, we are breaking down barriers to access and providing more integratedcare that supports people on their recovery journey.
"This is exactly the kind of investment Western Australians deserve, one that prioritises their health and wellbeing now and into the future."
As stated by Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey:
"Eating disorders are complex and recovery requires more than just clinical care. This new clinic has been designed with research in mind, which shows that healing spaces are just as important as the treatment itself.
"Every Western Australian deserves access to care that is close to home, compassionate and tailored to their needs. This new clinic is one step closer to helping people get the help they need in one co-ordinated, supportive space.
"This project is part of the Cook Government's broader commitment to investing in health infrastructure that meets the needs of communities now and into the future."
As stated by Health and Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"This new clinic will significantly improve access to mental health and eating disorder support for the Peel community.
"This means more patients can stay closer to their homes and support network while receiving care.
"It's through investments like these that we're strengthening our health and mental health systems, and ensuring Western Australians get the care they need, when they need it."
As stated by Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams:
"Having a specialist facilitylike this in Greenfields is a first for our region, and it's an important step forward.
"We know the best outcomes come from a combination of hospital-based acute care and strong community services, and that's exactly what this investment will deliver for our community."
"This purpose-built clinicis part of our broader commitment to delivering the health services our community needs - now and into the future. It's another step forward in ensuring Mandurah has the facilities, services and care that match the needs of a growing region."
As stated by Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday:
"As a community, we know how important it is for people to get the right care close to home.
"This new facility will give residents access to specialist mental health and eating disorder services in a welcoming space, without having to travel far for treatment."
