08/08/2024

The funding is being delivered through Round 2 of the Federal Labor Government's Closing the Gap - Major Capital Works Program, which is delivering $100 million to fund 33 Indigenous health infrastructure projects across the country.

The new facility will feature ten additional consulting rooms, three allied health rooms, six interview rooms, additional office space, and a physical footprint of 1250m² compared to the current medical facility of 500m².

Our investment in First Nations health infrastructure will help improve access to healthcare so that we make better progress on closing the gap. Improved clinics and better housing will also make working in health services more attractive to health professionals.

Delivering better First Nations healthcare builds on the Federal Labor Government's investments in a stronger Medicare and cheaper medicines in every community.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP:

"The Albanese Labor Government is improving access to healthcare for First Nations people in Central Victoria.

"Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services deliver important, culturally appropriate primary health care in our community.

"BDAC are an outstanding local organisation who have outgrown their current facilities. This funding will help them meet the needs of their community and make better progress on closing the gap."


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO BDAC CEO, DALLAS WIDDICOMBE:

"We welcome the announcement of this significant funding boost from the Australian Government for our new Medical Centre.

"This funding highlights our strong partnership with the Australian Federal Government and our shared commitment to enhancing the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in Djaara Country.

"We're thrilled to see the build taking shape. The facility will significantly expand BDAC's capacity to meet the growing demand for local, culturally appropriate medical and health services.

"The facility will drive positive health and wellbeing outcomes for Community by providing a space for connection, and for the delivery of safe, accessible, and responsive health services in a setting that is welcoming and deeply connected to the land and Culture.

"This will ensure we have the resources to close the age gap of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and mainstream."