General News
18 June, 2025
Expansion for Gilgandra Region RFDS Health Hub
Gilgandra Medical Centre will be able to realise its expansion into the former library building under a grant-funded partnership with Gilgandra Shire Council (GSC).
Council and medical service provider, the Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section (RFDSSE) have successfully secured funding under the NSW government’s Local Community Fund (LCF), securing $433,437.50 for the Gilgandra Region RFDS Health Hub.
GSC mayor Doug Batten says the region at large will benefit from this opportunity. “The expansion of the existing premises of the RFDS Medical Services, Gilgandra to the new Health Hub will see an extended range of health and medical services for the region – benefitting immediate and broader communities, as well as the workforce of the future,” he said.
Council says the project will fund the renovation and repurposing of the adjacent building (the now vacant Gilgandra War Memorial Literacy Institute/former Gilgandra Shire Library building) to expand access to local healthcare. The RFDS will develop and lease the expanded premises, integrating the existing RFDS-operated medical centre with additional consultation, office and pathology services to enhance medical services and workforce capacity for local and neighbouring regional communities of the Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
“Council is proud to partner with the RFDS and the NSW government. This development aligns with our Community Health Vision, and will better support current needs as well as future demands. The Health Hub will play a key role in supporting our residents wellbeing and creating a healthier, more vibrant Gilgandra Region for all,” said mayor Batten.
RFDSSE executive general manager of health services development, Jenny Beach, highlighted the significance of the project for Gilgandra and the surrounding communities and their access to health and wellbeing services.
“The RFDS is evolving to meet the needs of modern regional, rural and remote communities. One way we achieve this is by helping communities retain their essential health services, as we’ve done in Gilgandra since assuming ownership of the town’s only general practice in 2022,” Ms Beach said.
“This Health Hub will provide comprehensive healthcare services to the local and surrounding communities, directly aligning with our mission to improve health outcomes and reduce barriers to quality healthcare for all Australians, regardless of where they live.”
The Health Hub is strategically aligned with local and regional objectives, including Gilgandra Region Heath Vision, Towards 5000, RFDS Strategic Plan, NSW Regional Health and community outcomes identified in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
The next steps in this project will be to finalise the designs for the expansion and go to tender for the works. The project is estimated to be completed mid-2026.
