Main works contractor appointed for construction of Dubbo Residential Rehabilitation Centre

The purpose-built facility is jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, and will provide rehabilitation and withdrawal services to support people to address substance dependency and reintegrate safely back into the community.

Western NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Mark Spittal said following a competitive tender process Renascent Australia has been engaged as the main works contractor.

“This is another important step in delivering much-needed support to people across western NSW, and a significant milestone not just for the project but for our communities across Dubbo and the broader region,” Mr Spittal said.

“While it has been a long journey to reach this point, I am extremely pleased to say we are now just weeks away from seeing shovels in the ground. Successfully delivering this facility is a high priority for our Local Health District. 

“Our community can expect to see construction progressing quickly from this point, with the assurance our project teams are putting extensive plans in place to ensure everyone’s safety and privacy throughout works.”

People will live at the 24-bed centre while receiving treatment in a safe, structure setting, including being supported with medical care and taking part in programs and activities to improve their health, wellbeing and build valuable life skills.

Mr Spittal said the facility, which will be located in the centre of its Spears Drive site, has been designed to reflect the surrounding neighbourhood, using materials and colour schemes to fit the existing, residential streetscape.

“Our design team, headed by Fulton Trotter Architects, have applied the valuable feedback we received from the community during extensive consultation to ensure the centre meets clinical, environmental and cultural needs,” Mr Spittal said.

“I want to thank our community once again, their input and feedback during consultation has influenced the planning, development and design of this facility, and helped us understand how we can best balance everyone’s needs.

“When complete, the centre won’t just add to existing local services, it will also significantly improve our community’s access to important care by reducing the need to travel, particularly for people in the north west of our region.

The nearest similar service is in Orange, around 150 kilometres from Dubbo, so this facility will remove a significant barrier to accessing support and treatment for a considerable number of people, some in extremely remote areas.”

With the contract now awarded, the next steps of the project involve finalisation of the centre’s detailed design and architectural plans. Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks and take approximately 12 months to complete.

More information about the project is available on the Urban Talk project listing: www.urbantalk.com.au/projects/dubbo-aod