Maitland and Waratah named in state-first mental health housing program

newy.com.au – Maitland and Waratah will be among the first NSW communities to receive purpose-built homes for people living with complex, long-term mental health needs, as part of a state-first mental health housing program.

The NSW Government has released artist impressions of the new residences, which are planned for sites across the Hunter and Sydney and will offer up to 60 places in total. The homes are intended to provide a community-based alternative to hospital care, with specialist staff on site around the clock.

In the Hunter, new homes will be built in Maitland and Waratah. Other sites have been identified at Henley and North Ryde in Northern Sydney, and Lalor Park and Blacktown in Western Sydney.

The residences will support people transitioning from long-stay hospital care or repeated hospital admissions into supported housing. Plans include private and shared living areas and outdoor spaces designed to provide a safe, therapeutic environment while helping residents build skills for more independent community living.

Construction is expected to begin this year, subject to planning approval, with residents expected to move into the first new homes from 2028. The homes will be delivered under the Pathways to Community Living Initiative, part of the $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said the project marked a change in how people with long-term mental health needs were supported.

“For the first time in NSW, we are delivering purpose‑built homes that will allow people to move out of hospital and move on with their lives. This is about giving people a real home with appropriate care and support, not a hospital bed while they recover,” Ms Jackson said.

“These new residences will support up to 60 people across Sydney and the Hunter to rebuild their lives in the community, with a safety net there to catch them.

“We know there is strong evidence to support the need for greater investment in programs that help people with mental health challenges to live independently in the community and that’s why we’re targeting our investment in this area.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said the announcement was welcome for the region.

“Local housing and infrastructure to support mental health needs in the Maitland region is very welcome,” she said.

“I have long advocated, along with many in the Maitland Community, for better support for people with complex mental health needs, and I am so proud that the NSW Government is delivering these homes.”

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said the Waratah residences would add to broader housing investment in the area.

“I’m pleased to see strong NSW Government investment in mental health support and housing infrastructure,” she said.

“These new residences in Waratah are on top of the construction of more than 50 social housing residences in nearby Wallsend, which is my electorate. We are committed to make further improvements in these sectors.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said moving from hospital into the community could be difficult, particularly after a long stay.

“These purpose-built residences will ensure individuals receive appropriate care and support within a home-like environment to recover and transition to supported community living,” he said.

The government says the initiative forms part of its $3.1 billion mental health investment and complements the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program.