The Shepherd Centre

Before this centre opened, some Tasmanian families were travelling interstate to access specialist hearing care for their children. The Shepherd Centre's Hobart clinic is the first purpose-built early intervention facility of its kind in southern Tasmania.

Backed by a $6.5 million Australian Government investment, The Shepherd Centre identified Hobart as a priority location for expanding its national network of early intervention services for children with hearing loss.

The project required a complete change of use - an existing commercial tenancy transformed into a purpose-built clinical environment, designed from first measure-up through to Certificate of Likely Compliance.

Matt Kennedy Drafting & Design was engaged directly as lead designer, delivering the project entirely in-house: measured drawings of the existing 264m² tenancy, change of use Development Application, full NCC-compliant construction documentation, and Certificate of Likely Compliance coordinated through pitt&sherry Building Surveyors. Hansen Yuncken managed construction.

The brief called for clinical functionality without institutional coldness. Therapy rooms, a family room, play spaces, a custom audio-metric booth, waiting area, and staff facilities were each designed to feel warm and human - a place where children and their parents could feel at ease from the moment they arrive.

The centre was officially opened on 17 April 2026 by the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon. Rebecca White MP, with Federal, State and Local Government representatives in attendance.

"It was such a pleasure working with you, Matt and the broader team. We would not have got to where we are without you."

— Lucy Jackson, Head of Facilities and Property Operations, The Shepherd Centre