PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• Anti-Ligature & Anti-Harm Elements
• Meeting Strict Health Standards
• High Level Stakeholder Management
• Economic Contribution to the Region
• Extensive Hazardous Materials Removal
• Specialist Trades & Project Elements
• Extensive Design Involvement

The Traralgon Youth Prevention & Recovery Care (YPARC) Centre is a purpose-built mental health facility providing 24-hour support for young people aged 16-25 experiencing mental health challenges or psychological distress. The centre delivers short-term, recovery-focused care within a safe and welcoming residential setting.

The project comprised the construction of a new 10-bed facility, incorporating private bedrooms with ensuites, communal living and dining areas, breakout spaces, treatment and sensory rooms, and landscaped outdoor gardens. The design adopts anti-ligature and anti-harm principles throughout, supporting a secure, therapeutic environment while maintaining a non-institutional, home-like character. Specialist elements were integrated across the facility to meet the operational and safety requirements of a mental health setting. Anti-ligature door hardware, fixtures and bespoke joinery were carefully detailed to balance safety and amenity. Purpose-designed treatment areas, secure medical storage and communal spaces were coordinated to comply with stringent health standards and to support recovery-oriented care.

The project presented a number of technical and site-specific challenges. The site was affected by asbestos contamination, requiring comprehensive testing and remediation prior to, and during construction. Although engaged in a construct-only capacity, a number of façade elements required prototyping additional testing, and design refinement due to their bespoke nature, resulting in compliant and durable outcomes.

The completed facility provides a secure, contemporary and supportive environment tailored to the needs of young people accessing mental health care services in the Greater Gippsland region.