The new Buronga HealthOne has been officially opened, providing communities in Buronga, Dareton, Gol Gol, Wentworth, Euston and Balranald with a modern, one-stop hub for their healthcare needs.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said representatives from the Barkandji Nation and the local Aboriginal community have been central to shaping the new facility that delivers primary integrated care that focuses on community health.
“I am delighted to be here in Buronga to officially open one of the most exciting service enhancements and culturally significant projects for the local region,” Mr Toole said (at the official opening ceremony held Tuesday, 31 January 2023).
“Since opening its doors in August last year, it’s made a huge difference to the everyday lives of locals who can now access a range of health professionals and services under the one roof.”
In a state first, the facility has been built on Barkandji land under a landmark 40-year leasehold agreement between the NSW Government and Barkandji and Malangapa Aboriginal communities, which preserves native title and respects traditional ownership.
“This new collaboration is a crucial step forward in improving health outcomes for the Aboriginal community in this part of regional NSW,” Mr Toole said.
The unique collaboration has been recognised with the planting of a ‘relationship tree’ or Kumparla (meaning ‘tree’ or ‘coolabah’) in the HealthOne’s grounds to symbolise the partnership and connection to Country.
The Buronga HealthOne was constructed by Barpa – a proudly operated Australian Indigenous construction company – who have brought the vision for the facility to reality.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the Buronga HealthOne is part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s commitment to ensuring regional and rural communities have access to healthcare closer to home.
“The Buronga HealthOne brings health services together under one roof, making it easier for the local community to access the health care they need, close to home,” Mrs Taylor said.
“This health facility will help support the community’s wellbeing, with services such as child and family health, women’s health, antenatal and post-natal care, aged care and allied health services.”
The HealthOne program is part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over the next four years, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities.
Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 180 hospitals and health facilities across NSW, with more than 130 currently underway. Of those in the pipeline, more than 90 are in rural and regional areas.
Other projects in the Far West region include:
- the $30 million redevelopment of the Wentworth Health Service,
- the $10 million upgrade to Broken Hill Hospital’s Emergency Department
- A new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit at the Broken Hill Health Services, being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million State-wide Mental Health Infrastructure Program
- $45.3 million to deliver modern, sustainable accommodation for health workers across three rural local health districts including Far West, Southern NSW and Murrumbidgee.
People at risk of harm from alcohol and drug use in Far West NSW, will have greater access to support and treatment, with a $10.7 million funding boost from the NSW Government to enhance services over four years.
The Broken Hill Palliative Care Service is holding a community Remembrance Service on Wednesday, 4 December 2024 to commemorate, remember and honour loved ones who are no longer with us.
A much-needed chronic and complex wound and stoma care clinic has been launched by Far West Local Health District, following a successful 20-week trial which provided patients with vital wound and stoma care, management and education.
