The Sunshine Coast is poised to become a beacon of mental health innovation in Australia, with a groundbreaking treatment and research precinct planned for Birtinya. This initiative, spearheaded by Thompson Brain and Mind Healthcare (TBMH), aims to position Queensland as a national leader in mental health care.
The ambitious project will feature an eight-storey, 10,000 square meter flagship facility within the Birtinya health precinct. This center will serve as a prototype for future expansions across the state and country. In a bid to extend its reach, digital models will be employed to provide advanced mental health care to regional and rural Queensland.
“This precinct will be a cornerstone for mental health research, treatment, and innovation, not only for our region but for the nation,” said TBMH CEO Professor Jim Lagopoulos. “We are proud to be pioneering neuroscience-led approaches that reshape mental healthcare, and we are actively engaged with government and local representatives to progress this project and bring it to life for the Sunshine Coast community.”
Project Details and Economic Impact
Plans for the Birtinya facility received approval in 2023, with TBMH aiming to commence construction next year. The construction phase is expected to last approximately two years. According to a TBMH press release, the project could generate up to 300 high-value jobs in technology, clinical care, and research sectors.
Moreover, the initiative is anticipated to attract significant investment and international collaborations through the global clinical trial and biomedical market. It is also projected to deliver long-term cost savings through early intervention and a reduced healthcare burden.
“The project could create up to 300 high-value jobs across technology, clinical care, and research,” TBMH announced.
Building on Previous Success
This development builds on the success of TBMH’s Brain and Mind Hub in Maroochydore, which has provided over 4,500 occasions of care since its inception 18 months ago. The Maroochydore facility has introduced Queensland-first treatments for a wide range of complex mental health conditions, including co-occurring disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, trauma-related presentations, and treatment-resistant depression and anxiety.
TBMH, a not-for-profit organization, was recently honored as the Best Large Health and Medical Services Business at the 30th annual Sunshine Coast Business Awards. Additionally, the Brain and Mind Hub was named Organization of the Year at the 2025 Sunshine Coast Community Gala Awards. Professor Lagopoulos was also a finalist for the Jess Cheverton Individual Award at the 2025 Queensland Mental Health Awards.
“These awards are a testament to the exceptional team we have built and the urgent need for innovative, accessible mental health care,” Professor Lagopoulos remarked.
Philanthropic Support and Future Outlook
TBMH has acknowledged the critical support of philanthropists Roy and Nola Thompson, whose generosity has been pivotal in the realization of the neuro-innovation and mental health hospital precinct. Their support also ensures the continued delivery of essential mental health services to the Sunshine Coast community.
“My family and I are deeply excited to support this vision, and we are proud to stand behind TBMH as it works to make a lasting difference,” said board member Peter Thompson.
As the Sunshine Coast prepares to host this revolutionary mental health hub, the region is set to become a model for innovative mental health care, potentially influencing nationwide practices and policies. The project not only promises to enhance local healthcare but also to set a new standard for mental health treatment across Australia.
