Acting Tamworth Mayor and chairwoman of the Tamworth Community Health Committee, Helen Tickle is the latest leader to come out in support of upgrades to Banksia.

Cr Tickle said while the city had a large amount of mental health support services, it was lacking accommodation and rehabilitation services for those seeking mental health treatment. Her comments follow a pubic push by Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson to “build a better Banksia” late last month.

“All the feedback and statistics we’ve received would indicate that we do very much need an upgrade of Banksia,” Cr Tickle said. “We need a facility that would accommodate more patients, but would also rehabilitate them aswell.

Cr Tickle said the issue had been brought up with the community health committee and she hoped the current state government review into NSW mental health facilities would determine an upgrade was needed. “All indications are that we do need additional space,” she said.

“The staff do an excellent job and do as much as they can. But I think this is vital now, given our current population and as regional centre it is vital now that we have these facilities.

Mr Anderson said the community had been supportive to the push.

“The response from the community for building a better banksia has been nothing but positive which helps me show the community support behind this push,” he said. “I encourage the community to keep contacting me with their thoughts on Banksia.”

NSW Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies has previously toured the facility with Mr Anderson with a state-wide review as part of a plan for mental health services now underway.

“The plan will identify the potential capital investments needed to support statewide mental health service reforms and priorities.  “This planning is underway and will include assessment of Banksia,” she said.