Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment leads the way at Gather and Grow
Health Infrastructure partnered with NSW Treasury and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to headline the Gather and Grow 2025 program. The event follows NAIDOC Week and reinforces the importance of Aboriginal culture and economic participation in regional infrastructure delivery.
The $138 million Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment will deliver a new two-storey acute services building, including an expanded emergency department, operating theatres, inpatient wards, and modern medical imaging and pharmacy services.
Shaped by extensive community and stakeholder input, the redevelopment has already sparked important conversations around the employment, business, and training opportunities it offers.
Gather and Grow provides a platform to maximise these opportunities by connecting Aboriginal businesses and workers with government agencies, contractors, and suppliers delivering major infrastructure projects.
Facilitating real change for regional communities is a practical step towards advancing the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy and Health Infrastructure’s Reconciliation Action Plan commitments.
Acting Chief Executive Amanda Bock said the event reflected the power of partnerships: “Partnering with NSW Treasury and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is essential for achieving outcomes that extend beyond the build itself. One of the most important things we do as a delivery agency is generating opportunities for local economic development - especially in regional areas.”
The event welcomed more than 70 participants including representatives from the project’s principal contractor, local council and Aboriginal businesses and community members. All attendees were eager to learn more about the hospital redevelopment and explore ways to be involved in the project’s delivery.
Acting Senior Project Director Melissa Foong said, “Events like Gather and Grow help our teams listen to the community, build relationships and create new pathways for meaningful Aboriginal participation. We’re committed to creating opportunities for local people and businesses - it’s about building a hospital for the community, with the community.”
A highlight of the event was the sharing of plans for a new public artwork at Cessnock Hospital - a powerful opportunity for Aboriginal artists to leave a lasting mark on Country and embed culture into the heart of the hospital.
The event showcased what can be achieved through cultural respect, connection and a shared commitment to local participation and economic opportunity.
For more information and to register for future events, visit Gather and Grow events supporting Aboriginal businesses in 2025 | info.buy.nsw
To learn more about Health Infrastructure’s Reconciliation Action Plan, visit: Reconciliation - Health Infrastructure NSW
