Broome’s new Step Up/Step Down (SUSD) mental health service has reached a major construction milestone, with the final concrete pour completed and structural work progressing at the Yinajalan Ngarrungunil Health and Wellbeing Campus.

The new facility is being developed to provide community-based mental health support for adults across the Kimberley region. The service is designed to offer a safe residential-style environment where people can receive assistance closer to their families, communities and support networks.

The project is expected to improve access to mental health care in a region where distance and remoteness can create challenges for residents needing specialist services. By providing support locally, the facility aims to reduce the need for people to travel long distances to access appropriate care.

Health officials have highlighted the importance of strengthening regional healthcare services, particularly in areas such as the Kimberley where communities are spread across a large geographic area.

The Step Up/Step Down model provides an alternative level of care between hospital treatment and independent living. It supports people who may need additional assistance during recovery while helping them remain connected with their community.

The Broome facility forms part of wider efforts to improve health infrastructure across Western Australia. Regional healthcare investment aims to create more accessible services and improve outcomes for people living outside major metropolitan centres.

For the Broome community, the development represents an important addition to local health services. Community-based facilities can provide culturally appropriate support and help ensure residents receive care in familiar environments.

Broome, as the largest regional centre in the Kimberley, provides essential services for surrounding communities. Improvements to healthcare infrastructure benefit not only local residents but also people travelling from nearby towns and remote areas.

The project also provides economic benefits through construction activity, creating employment opportunities and supporting local businesses involved in building and supplying materials.

Mental health support has become an increasing priority across Australia, with governments focusing on improving early intervention, community care and reducing pressure on hospital systems.

The completion of construction milestones brings the Broome facility closer to becoming operational. Once finished, the service will provide additional support options for adults experiencing mental health challenges throughout the Kimberley region.

Local health leaders and community members have welcomed the development, recognising the importance of having accessible services available within the region.

The new facility represents a long-term investment in the wellbeing of Broome and surrounding Kimberley communities, strengthening local healthcare capacity and improving access to essential support.