Crown Lands investment supports Aboriginal health training facility
The NSW Government is supporting the future of a crucial Aboriginal health training facility, which is helping to close the gap in health outcomes across our state.
Crown Lands is making a $1.48 million investment to upgrade the training headquarters of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) at Little Bay.
Representing more than 40 member organisations, AH&MRC is the peak body for Aboriginal community-controlled health services across NSW.
Aboriginal-controlled health services play a vital role in efforts to improve life expectancy and health outcomes for First Nations people, delivering culturally appropriate care.
AH&MRC operates a registered training organisation, helping the next generation of Aboriginal health workers embark on their careers, while strengthening the skills of the existing workforce.
The organisation's training spaces are located at the former Prince Henry hospital site at Little Bay. The facility includes lecture rooms, along with clinical demonstration and simulation training labs, which can simulate real-life medical emergencies.
The Crown Lands upgrade work will bring the AH&MRC building up to modern standards, aligning with the latest National Construction Code.
Premier Chris Minns said the future healthcare workers trained at Little Bay will treat tens of thousands of patients across NSW.
"Aboriginal-controlled health services are helping people across our state. It's important they have a skilled workforce delivering high-quality health care services," Mr Minns said.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Harris said investing in First Nations infrastructure will help ensure the security and longevity of key programs that deliver real benefits to our communities.
“These improvements will ensure the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council has a safe and secure base for its innovation and training department to do its vital work with education and community health services for Aboriginal communities,” Mr Harris said.
The latest upgrades follow previous Crown Lands' investments of $1.13 million over the past two years for a range of improvements at the former Prince Henry hospital site.
Previous works included other repairs and upgrades to the AH&MRC building, Surf Lifesaving Building, Jarrah House, Nurses War Memorial Chapel, The Coast Centre for Seniors, Henry’s Trading Post, Pine Avenue retaining wall, and a 143-year-old tower clock that was returned to working order.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said Crown Lands as lessor is responsible for structural maintenance of buildings at the Prince Henry hospital precinct.
“The historic former Prince Henry hospital site is located on Crown land and was home to NSW’s first public hospital but today provides a home for a range of community organisations as well as open space for the community,” Mr Kamper said.