By Olivia Shying

WAGGA'S new mental health unit received a top gong in the NSW section of the Australian Institute of Building awards last Friday.

The state-of-the-art mental health unit, which opened in 2013 and was built by Hansen and Yuncken, took out the professional excellence prize in the commercial construction $10 to $15 million category.

Project manager, Michael Martin, was also individually recognised for his work on the Wagga project.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District's director of mental health and drug and alcohol, Robyn Manzie, said the accolades proved Wagga had top notch facilities.

She said the quality of the centre - which featured courtyards, a gym and spaces to relax reflected changing attitudes towards mental health.

"Most people aren't there voluntarily so we wanted to make it as inviting and peaceful as possible," she said.

"It's a statement that our consumers deserve the very best."

The working relationship between Hansen and Yuncken and the department was extremely effective, Ms Manzie said.

With much of Wagga Base Hospital still under development, member for Wagga Daryl Maguire believed the high-quality design and workmanship of the mental health building would give community member's confidence in the hospital build.

"The government is serious about providing only the very best," Mr Maguire said.

"People can expect the same for the remainder of the hospital."

"We've backed up the infrastructure with more money and more investments."

Ms Manzie said positive comments from staff showed the new building had a effect on the care given, as it provided a better environment for everyone working and living at the centre.

"This facility and our staff provide an optimistic and positive approach to care with a focus on collaborative decision making and social inclusion," Ms Manzie said.