McKellar Centre

Symal Contractors, in partnership with Lendlease, successfully delivered the new Barwon Health facility at the McKellar Centre in Geelong.  

Supported by the Victorian Government’s Mental Health Beds Expansion Program, the project adds 16 acute mental health beds, relieving pressure on emergency departments and providing immediate treatment options. 

Symal Contractors’ scope of work included earthworks, site preparation, surrounding pavements, the construction of the foundation and concrete substructure. This collaboration aims to meet the urgent demand for comprehensive mental healthcare, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. 

Wamarra also delivered an extensive restorative garden and grounds upgrade for our client. The Wamarra project team worked to create an enduring central space and facilities for Barwon Health staff and patients.

The new facility at the McKellar Centre is expected to provide over 5,800 days of care annually, allowing approximately 355 more Geelong residents to access crucial mental health services each year. The worked to install insitu Class 1 courtyard walls and seating, paving, decking, exposed aggregate footpaths and roads and various soft landscaping and planting.

This joint effort by Symal Contractors, Wamarra, Lendlease, and the Victorian Government serves as a significant step towards improving mental health services and overall well-being in the community.