Get ready for a transformative leap in mental health care! The Sunshine Coast is poised to become Australia’s beacon of mental health innovation, with an unprecedented treatment and research facility being developed in Birtinya.
This pioneering project, spearheaded by Thompson Brain and Mind Healthcare, aims to establish Queensland as the nation’s frontrunner in mental health initiatives. At the heart of this ambitious plan is an impressive eight-storey building, covering 10,000 square meters, which will serve as a flagship facility within the Birtinya health precinct. This development is not just a local endeavor; it is designed to serve as a model for similar projects across the state and even nationwide.
To further enhance its impact, digital models are set to extend the reach of this facility into regional and rural areas of Queensland, ensuring that advanced mental health care becomes accessible to a broader population.
“This precinct will be a cornerstone for mental health research, treatment, and innovation, benefiting not only our region but the entire nation,” expressed TBMH CEO Professor Jim Lagopoulos.
He added, “We take pride in leading the charge with neuroscience-driven approaches that are set to redefine mental health care. Our collaboration with government officials and local representatives is essential as we work to bring this vision to fruition for the Sunshine Coast community.”
The plans for the Birtinya center received approval in 2023, with hopes for construction to kick off next year. The entire building process is estimated to span approximately two years.
According to a press release from TBMH, this initiative could generate up to 300 high-quality jobs across various sectors, including technology, clinical care, and research.
Moreover, the project is expected to draw in investments and foster international partnerships through its global clinical trial and biomedical market opportunities. It promises to yield long-term financial benefits by facilitating early intervention and alleviating the healthcare system’s burden.
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This new facility will build upon the successes of TBMH's existing Brain and Mind Hub located in Maroochydore, which has already provided over 4,500 instances of care since its launch just 18 months ago. In this timeframe, it has introduced a variety of treatments that are the first of their kind in Queensland, addressing a wide range of mental health issues—many of which are complex, multi-faceted, and resistant to conventional treatments. These challenges include co-occurring conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders, trauma-related problems, and cases of depression and anxiety that do not respond to standard therapies.
As a not-for-profit organization, TBMH was recently honored as the Best Large Health and Medical Services Business during the 30th annual Sunshine Coast Business Awards. Additionally, the Brain and Mind Hub received the accolade of Organization of the Year at the 2025 Sunshine Coast Community Gala Awards.
Professor Lagopoulos was also recognized as a finalist for the Jess Cheverton Individual Award at the 2025 Queensland Mental Health Awards. He commented, "These awards validate the remarkable team we have assembled and highlight the critical demand for innovative and accessible mental health care."
"We are proud to be at the forefront of employing neuroscience-led strategies that are transforming the understanding and treatment of mental health issues."
TBMH expressed its gratitude towards philanthropists Roy and Nola Thompson, emphasizing that the realization of this neuro-innovation and mental health hospital precinct, along with the continuous provision of mental health services to those in need in the Sunshine Coast community, would not be feasible without their support.
Peter Thompson, a board member, stated, "My family and I are thrilled to contribute to this vision, and we stand firmly behind TBMH as it strives to create a lasting impact."
