Construction begins on a new youth mental health centre in Traralgon

Construction has started on a new youth prevention and recovery care (YPARC) centre in Traralgon.

YPARC centres provide around-the-clock care and support to young people aged between 16 and 25 experiencing mental health challenges and/or psychological distress. 

This includes mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety, which are the leading cause of disability in young people. 

YPARCs are voluntary, referral-based services.

The new multi-million-dollar Traralgon YPARC centre includes:

• 10 bedrooms complete with ensuite bathrooms
• a communal kitchen
• kitchen, dining and living areas
• breakout spaces
• outdoor garden areas
• a welcoming, safe and therapeutic environment that promotes rest and recovery.

Designs revealed today show the centre’s façade and internal spaces. They have been carefully considered to create a safe and serene environment to support young people on their recovery journey.

The spaces were mindfully constructed as part of a co-design process. Clinicians, carers and young people with lived and living experience of mental health challenges shared their insights and experiences to help influence the design of the centre.

Construction is being overseen by McCorkell Constructions. Latrobe Regional Health will manage the Traralgon YPARC centre once it’s completed in 2025.

About the youth prevention and recovery care (YPARC) centre expansion and upgrade program

The YPARC centre expansion and upgrade program is a $141 million investment to deliver new and refurbished centres across the state.

The program is a response to key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

It will more than double the capacity of the state’s current YPARC network with five new 10-bed centres to be built. The new centres will be in:

• Ballarat
• Geelong
• Shepparton
• Heidelberg
• Traralgon.

The program will also upgrade existing YPARC centres in Bendigo, Dandenong and Frankston.

Learn more about the youth prevention and recovery care centre expansion and upgrade program.