Project Overview
The 37 bed Tamworth Mental Health Unit – known as Giyaanha (representing to process of change and becoming a new version of yourself), is a major investment in mental health infrastructure for the region. The project delivered a new, purpose-built facility at Tamworth Hospital to support acute mental health care for adults, adolescents, and community-based services for young people.
The unit is part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program and in 2022, received an additional $14.6 million to expand the project’s scope – adding a four-bed adolescent inpatient unit and integrating child and adolescent community mental health services. This transformative expansion reshaped the project’s direction and design, and positioned Banksia as a more holistic, future-ready mental health facility.
Our Involvement
Mara Ba Kumba has been contracted through NSW Health Infrastructure to support the project from planning through to delivery, with Lachlan serving as Project Director. Our role has included:
- Leading multidisciplinary teams and technical workstreams across planning, design, procurement, and delivery
- Developing project and functional briefs aligned to mental health service needs
- Facilitating engagement with the Local Health District, NSW Ministry of Health, clinical teams, and lived experience stakeholders
- Managing procurement strategy, contractor coordination, and complex construction logistics
- Monitoring risks, reporting on milestones, and ensuring the project remains clinically appropriate, culturally respectful, and operationally sound
When the project scope expanded in 2022, we worked closely with consultants, clinicians, and community to reimagine the design. Through structured design jams and innovation-led thinking, the team was able to unlock a new layout that introduced a central green atrium, expanded the footprint, and enhanced outdoor courtyards – all without compromising the integrity of the original design.
Our Approach
With the project already deep in detailed design, adapting to the revised scope required steady leadership and clear communication. Our approach focused on creating space for collective problem solving – using divergent thinking to explore all viable options, then narrowing through convergence to a solution that worked.
Rather than simply fitting new spaces into the existing structure, the team took a step back. The result was a redesigned layout that expanded the building’s footprint to allow it to “breathe,” improving the natural connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This included the expansion of a generous central green heart – visible from the foyer and inpatient unit and larger, more functional gathering areas for families and carers.
Legacy & Impact
The redesigned Giyaanha Unit will deliver contemporary, safe, and culturally aware mental health care – creating a more welcoming experience for individuals, families, and staff alike.
Key impacts include:
- Connected to Tamworth Hospital, the unit will expand capacity, improve care environments and support recovery through a community-focused approach
- Creation of a therapeutic central green atrium that anchors the building in nature and light
- Expanded outdoor courtyards and family gathering spaces that support connection and healing
- A co-design process that brought together clinical, cultural, and community voices to shape the final outcome
The success of the redesign reflects what’s possible when projects are grounded in collaboration, open to innovation, and responsive to change.
From the very beginning, Lachlan has impressed us with his outstanding communication skills and deep cultural understanding. At TAMS-AC, our goal is to build a culturally respectful, safe space – a purpose-built medical facility for our mob in Tamworth, NSW.
Construction is not our area of expertise, so having someone we can trust and rely on throughout this process has been invaluable. Lachlan has become that trusted point of contact, bringing remarkable knowledge, drive, and enthusiasm to every stage of the project.
