Facility a step up for mental health as works on track for December finish and 2021 opening

Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s $5.63 million mental health Step-Up, Step-Down facility is on schedule to be completed in December and operational in early 2021.

The first sod was turned at the Davidson Street site in December and works have continued through the COVID-19 crisis, with WA Labor Mining and Pastoral MP Kyle McGinn confident the 10-bed hub would be open to the community on schedule.

The facility will allow those experiencing deteriorating mental health to access help in a residential setting, and will help those who have been admitted to hospital integrate back into the community.

Mr McGinn said there had been strong support for the facility, with one of the only concerns being the aesthetics of the building.

“When we made the election commitment it was very well received, with people saying ‘we want it tomorrow’,” he said.

“One thing taken on board was the aesthetics to ensure it was integrated in the community in the area.

So we have designed it to look very community-based and I think that’s allayed people’s fears about having a building like that.”

Mr McGinn said he hoped the facility would not only provide greater support for the community but also help ease pressure on the mental health ward at Kalgoorlie Health Campus.

“This gives our health professionals more tools in their toolbox,” he said.