Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan joined Werin Medical Clinic Chairperson Uncle Brian King and his dedicated team for the official sod turning of the clinic’s $14 million upgrade.

In July 2024, $7 million of Federal Government Funding was awarded to the clinic as part of a $100 million investment over 33 Indigenous health infrastructure projects aimed at Closing the Gap. The grant opportunity was co-designed with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation on behalf of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. The additional $7 million required to complete the project was provided directly by the Werin Aboriginal Corporation.

The completed project will include twelve consultation rooms on the bottom floor and a wellbeing centre on the top floor, with improved vehicle access to the site and parking facilities. Werin Aboriginal Medical Service will deliver primary health care including chronic disease management, maternal and child health, mental health, and health promotion – helping to reduce health inequities and improve access to care.

At today’s Turning of the Sod ceremony, Chairperson Brian King said the service will be more than a clinic—it will be a place of healing, belonging, and empowerment.

“This investment supports the national Closing the Gap targets by placing Aboriginal health in Aboriginal hands and creating local employment and training opportunities,” Mr. King Stated.

Mr. Conaghan welcomed the investment into the region’s health network and noted it’s contribution in providing culturally safe, community-led healthcare to Aboriginal people in Port Macquarie and surrounding areas.

“Access to primary healthcare is a crucial step in Closing the Gap. Evidence has shown that care delivered through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services is associated with lower rates of preventable hospitalisations among First Nations communities. Better long-term health outcomes start with better access to primary care. I would like to sincerely thank the Werin team for their commitment to health in our community and for taking the necessary steps to provide our region with a state-of-the-art facility that is fit for purpose,” Mr. Conaghan said.

The new facility is expected to open in late 2026.