Construction begins on Victorian-first Women’s Prevention and Recovery Care centre

More support for women requiring treatment and care for mental ill health is one step closer, with construction underway a new Women’s Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) centre in St Albans.

Operated by NorthWestern Mental Health, the Women’s PARC centre will be the first in Victoria to offer accommodation for accompanying dependents. Up to three beds will be available for young children.

The new $8.4 million facility will provide vital mental health services to women in Melbourne’s northwest metropolitan region.

Designed to create a safe and welcoming environment, the 12-bed facility will include:

• private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms
• communal kitchen, dining and living areas
• breakout spaces
• outdoor garden for recreational activities and family visits.

Ireland Brown Constructions Pty Ltd has been appointed to construct the facility. The project will create and sustain 13 construction industry jobs as is expected to be completed in late 2022.

About PARC centres

PARC centres provide vital care for people who no longer need hospital treatment. They also reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments by providing early intervention treatment and care.

There is currently only one specialist women’s PARC in Victoria – a 10-bed facility in Springvale. The second facility in St Albans will help reduce the increased demand for mental health services and take the total number PARC centres across Melbourne and regional Victoria to 25. The program is part of the Victorian Government’s $325.7 million commitment to mental health outlined in the 10-year Mental Health Plan.

The facility also responds to key recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System to modernise and build service capacity and provide better, tailored models of care. Learn more about the Women’s Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) centre redevelopment via our dedicated project page.