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Future Wembley. A legacy of care.

Take part in the conversation about the future of the MercyCare Wembley Campus.

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Embracing Change for a Brighter Future.

For generations, the Sisters of Mercy have shaped a place of care, compassion and dignity at Wembley, supporting people through education, welfare and health services as community needs have changed over time. That legacy continues today, with MercyCare carrying these values forward while planning responsibly for what comes next.

Expectations of care are changing. While parts of the Wembley Campus have been upgraded, others are outdated or underused. The campus layout also presents challenges, amenities are fragmented, parking is limited and accessibility can be difficult. Without thoughtful change, the campus’ facilities may not continue to meet contemporary standards or future needs. Planning for the future is about responding thoughtfully, ensuring the campus can continue to support residents, neighbours and the wider community in ways that are safe, welcoming and sustainable.

Through respectful and inclusive engagement, MercyCare is inviting the community to help shape future improvements, guiding decisions about facilities, shared spaces and connections so the campus remains fit for purpose now and well into the future.

We invite you to share your perspectives and help shape the future of MercyCare Wembley Campus. Click the link below for upcoming events and sessions for you to have your say.

History on the hill

The MercyCare Wembley Campus has evolved steadily over time, with a long and valued history. Change to date has always been thoughtful, building on the foundations laid by previous generations. The campus’ development has been guided by a commitment to continuity, allowing it to remain relevant and meaningful without losing sight of its origins. Recognising this history is vital when planning for what comes next.

THE CAMPUS TIMELINE

Country & Early Foundations

The Wembley Campus sits on Whadjuk Noongar Country, a place of deep and enduring cultural connection. Nearby, Galup Reserve, meaning “a place where the home fires burn”, has long been a significant site for camping, hunting and fishing, with strong food and mythological importance. It remains a vital heritage place, reflecting a deep connection to Country where families raised and nurtured their communities.

Faith, Mission and Settlement

In 1852, the Benedictine monks established New Subiaco, building a monastery and agricultural grounds. Their presence on the site ended in 1867, and the site transitioned to social care use as the Sisters of Mercy assumed responsibility, beginning more than a century of stewardship grounded in service and care.

Care for Children and Young People

The campus operates as boys’ and girls’ orphanages, later expanding to include schools and care for infants and young mothers. Many of the heritage buildings that remain today, including the Old Chapel, Foundling Home buildings and Stables, reflect this era of care responding to social need. Aboriginal people lived at Wembley over many years, and for some, their experiences were not always positive.

MercyCare acknowledges the hurt and trauma caused and is committed to walking the path of reconciliation.

Changing Models of Care

Approaches to care evolve with the site shifting away from institutional models, and towards community-based care. Renamed the Catherine McAuley Centre, the site begins supporting group homes, independent living, community day care and aged care. Some earlier buildings were removed during this time to better support contemporary care needs.

Integrated Services & Governance

Services join together under a single governance structure, with MercyCare emerging as a steward of the campus and custodian of the Sisters’ legacy. Services expand with heritage buildings conserved and adapted for continued use.

Conservation, Renewal and Place Making

Long term master planning focuses on conservation of significant heritage buildings, while strengthening the campus as a connected place. This period also sees the creation of The Green as a shared community space and greater recognition of both Whadjuk Noongar and Catholic/Mercy histories.

Contemporary Transformation

Today, the focus remains on care, community connection, heritage stewardship and shared use of the campus. Recent improvements have focused on safety, accessibility and better use of the site, preparing the campus for future revitalisation aligned with MercyCare’s mission and ethos.

Planning responsibly for the future

The MercyCare Wembley revitalisation is a staged transformation of MercyCare’s flagship Wembley Campus into a modern, intergenerational campus that continues to deliver high-quality care while responding to contemporary standards, evolving community needs and future demand.

Guided by the mission and values of the Sisters of Mercy, the project focuses on stewardship of place, respecting the Campus’s deep history, cultural significance and heritage while ensuring facilities are safe, fit-for purpose and capable of supporting compassionate care now and into the future.

The revitalisation will deliver a vibrant, intergenerational precinct, including:

Our vision for a legacy of care

The vision for the MercyCare Wembley revitalisation is to build a campus where caring for people is at the core of everything they do. The goal is to ensure that people of all ages and backgrounds feel supported to thrive. It’s about creating a place that leaves a positive, enduring mark on the community, with services and facilities designed to help people live well now and into the future.

Project objectives:

Staged Delivery Approach

The revitalisation is expected to occur in stages over an extended period, allowing services to continue operating safely while change is carefully managed. Current proposed staging includes:

Stage 1

Early Learning Centre, heritage buildings, car park and landscaping

(planning 2026, proposed commencement 2027)

Stage 2

Residential Aged Care

(planning 2026 and 2027, proposed commencement 2028)

Stage 3

Independent Living Units

(planning 2026, proposed commencement 2030 – 2031).

FAQs

The MercyCare Wembley Campus

Where is the Campus?

The MercyCare Wembley Campus is located at 18 Barrett Street (Lot 100), Wembley, forming part of Whadjuk Noongar Country, and approximately 5 kilometres west of the Perth CBD. It sits within an established residential area and has served the community for over a century.

Who owns the Campus?

The Campus is owned and operated by MercyCare, which is responsible for its ongoing management, care services and future planning.
For more information about MercyCare, visit www.mercycare.com.au

Who is MercyCare?

MercyCare is a leading Western Australian not-for-profit organisation that provides a wide range of community services, including aged care, early learning, disability services and family and community services. They focus on compassionate, person-centred care and aim to support individuals and communities to live well and stay connected.

Who are the Sisters of Mercy?

The Sisters of Mercy are a Roman Catholic religious congregation founded in 1831 by Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland, dedicated to serving the poor and vulnerable through education, healthcare and social services. MercyCare was established by the Sisters of Mercy and continues to be guided by their mission and values today. Although the Sisters are no longer involved in dayto- day operations, MercyCare remains committed to honouring their legacy, with their mission and spirit continuing to shape our work.

Why is MercyCare seeking to revitalise the Campus?

MercyCare has a responsibility to ensure the Wembley Campus can continue to support high quality care in a way that is sustainable now and into the future. While some parts of the Campus have received substantial work in recent years, other areas are underutilised and require significant upgrades to meet MercyCare’s standards and aspirations. Revitalising the Campus allows MercyCare to use the site more effectively, plan for future care needs and invest in facilities that are fit for purpose, resilient and able to support the community well into the future, rather than responding to issues as they arise.

The MercyCare Future Wembley Project

What is the proposed plan for the Campus revitalisation?

The revitalisation of the MercyCare Wembley Campus is proposed to occur in stages over an extended period. This staged approach is deliberate, helping minimise disruption, maintain comfort and support the ongoing liveability for everyone who uses and lives around the Campus. Daily life on the Campus will continue throughout the revitalisation, ensuring the Campus remains a welcoming, safe and functional place. MercyCare will keep the Campus active with ongoing activities and initiatives throughout the revitalisation, helping to sustain a lively, connected community at every stage of the process.

Planning 2026 Proposed commencement 2027
Focus: Early Learning Centre, heritage buildings, car park and landscaping.

Planning 2026 and 2027 Proposed commencement 2028
Focus: Residential Aged Care Facility

Planning 2026 Proposed commencement 2030-2031
Focus: Independent Living Units

Who is involved in the revitalisation of the Campus?

MercyCare (site owner and operator)
Hodge Collard Architects (Architects)
PTS Town Planning (Town Planners)
ENCON (Project Management)
MKDC (Aged Living Interior Design
Creating Communities (Community and Stakeholder Engagement)

What impacts can residents expect throughout construction?

As with any development, there will be temporary impacts during construction, which may include increased traffic movements, noise, dust and some disruption across parts of the Campus. These impacts are being considered early and will be managed through staging, so works do not all occur at once, as well as through formal environmental and construction management plans. These plans will set out how matters such as noise, dust, site access and safety are controlled to reduce impacts on the community. MercyCare is committed to clear communication ahead of each stage, so people understand what to expect and when.

How will the planning consider traffic and car parking?

Traffic and car parking are recognised as key issues for the Campus. Feedback from previous engagement has informed a new traffic management approach. During construction, impacts are planned to be managed by separating construction traffic from visitor and resident traffic, with dedicated entrances operating under a formal traffic management plan. Following construction, access is planned to be split between two streets to reduce traffic on Barrett Street. Landscape buffers will help to soften impacts, and on-site car parking will be improved over time to provide more accessible parking and clearer, safer movement across the Campus.

Will services continue during works?

Yes. Continuity of care is a priority for MercyCare. MercyCare’s intention is to plan works in a staged way so services can continue with minimum disruption, and to communicate early about impacts to ensure the community understands what to expect and when. Details on service operation will be provided as planning advances and will be shared before any changes occur.

Do you have designs ready to present?

The project team have developed some preliminary modelling to work out what would be viable for the revitalisation of the Campus. Designs for the development will not be finalised until after the engagement process where the project team will seek feedback on elements of the design. Residents and community members will have the opportunity to review the proposed modelling as part of the engagement.

Campus uses and key considerations

What uses are being considered as part of the revitalisation of the Campus?

The revitalisation is exploring a modern, intergenerational campus that supports continued care, living, learning and community connection while responding to contemporary standards and future needs.

As part of early modelling, MercyCare is proposing the following:

Facility	Current	Proposed After Completion
Early Learning Centre	138	115–120
Residential Aged Care	126	100
Independent Living Units	118	227

These figures will continue to be refined as planning and engagement progress.

What are some of the proposed features of the revitalisation of the Campus?

In addition to the ongoing focus on care and community-related purposes, the proposed features of the revitalisation include:

Modernised residential aged care
An Early Learning Centre blending heritage and contemporary design
New independent living units
Community spaces
New Chapel
Heritage retention
Improved accessibility
Refreshed landscaping/public spaces
Up campus entrance point
Greater connection / integration with the local community

How is the Campus’s history and heritage being considered in planning for the future?

The history and heritage of the Campus are being actively considered as part of early planning. This includes the integration of a number of heritage artefacts, originally part of other historical buildings associated with MercyCare, which are being brought into asset and intended to be incorporated into future buildings. A heritage consultant is also involved and will provide guidance and formal advice on how heritage elements, including buildings and significant features, should be considered and treated as planning progresses. This work is informing the overall approach to ensure the Campus’s legacy is respected while allowing it to evolve to meet contemporary needs.

How will Aboriginal History and Culture be integrated into the planning?

MercyCare will collaborate with local Aboriginal organisations to ensure the project honours Aboriginal History and Culture, and reflects genuine cultural responsiveness.

How will MercyCare’s Catholic identity be reflected in the future of the Campus?

MercyCare’s Catholic identity, grounded in the mission and values of the Sisters of Mercy, will continue to guide the future of the Wembley Campus. Ongoing engagement with the Sisters, residents and key stakeholders will help ensure this identity is respected and carried forward through planning and design. Catholic symbols will be thoughtfully incorporated, and the Campus’ dedicated Sacred Space (chapel) will be retained and continue to support worship, reflection and religious practice.

How are church services going to be delivered during construction?

Maintaining spiritual support and respecting the faith traditions of the community remain a top priority during this development, and MercyCare is working hard to ensure a continuation of sacred space throughout this process. Should you have specific needs or questions about access at any time, please let the MercyCare team know.

Will there be a focus on sustainability?

Yes. Sustainability will be considered as part of future planning and design. This includes exploring opportunities to improve building performance and reduce energy use over time, such as incorporating contemporary sustainability measures where appropriate. Specific initiatives will continue to be assessed as planning progresses.

Community Engagement

What is the proposed engagement process?

Engagement will occur in phases and will begin early. The initial phase focuses on listening: to understand the Campus’s history and character, hear about lived experience and learn what matters most to the community to inform future planning.

There will be multiple opportunities for the community to get involved over time, using a mix of engagement activities designed to be accessible and inclusive.

All engagement opportunities, updates and ways to participate will be shared through the project website, which will act as the central hub for information throughout the revitalisation.

How will community feedback be used?

Community feedback will be used to help shape future planning decisions, including how facilities, shared spaces and community amenities are designed and experienced across the Campus. Feedback gathered will be documented and considered by the project team to inform design refinement, staging decisions and how impacts are managed as the project progresses.

What happens after the engagement process?

After the initial engagement phase, MercyCare will continue to keep the community well informed and involved as the project progresses. Communication will remain active, with regular updates, information sharing and opportunities for the community to stay connected to what is happening at the Campus. As planning moves forward, there will be ongoing opportunities for involvement and engagement.

How can I stay informed?

To stay informed on the project, please visit the project website and sign up to MercyCare’s bi-monthly newsletter. If you have any questions for the project team, please reach out to Creating Communities on (08) 9284 0910 or by emailing futurewembley@mercycare.com.au

Download the Journey Booklet

Download the Journey Booklet for a detailed overview of the project, including campus history, background and key information.

Join the Conversation

MercyCare invite you to join the conversation and share your ideas to help shape the future of the MercyCare Wembley Campus.