More Than $1.7 Million For Regional Health Facility Upgrades

Health facilities in Grafton and Coffs Harbour will receive practical improvements through the NSW Government’s Regional Health Minor Works Program.

New funding will improve mental health facilities in Grafton and create additional working spaces at Coffs Harbour Health Campus.

Health facilities across Northern NSW and the Mid North Coast will receive more than $1.7 million for infrastructure improvements designed to support patients, healthcare workers and regional communities.

The funding is being provided through the NSW Government’s $12 million Regional Health Minor Works Program, which supports essential capital works across regional, rural and remote parts of the state.

Northern NSW Local Health District will receive more than $700,000, while $1 million has been allocated to Mid North Coast Local Health District.

The two-year program will deliver smaller but important projects intended to improve patient and staff amenities, replace ageing infrastructure and ensure regional health facilities remain safe, welcoming and fit for purpose.

In Grafton, funding will support the refurbishment of the Aruma Community Mental Health facility.

The planned work will include new floor coverings, ceilings and lighting, together with general maintenance throughout the facility.

Outdoor patient interview spaces and external waiting areas will also be upgraded, creating more comfortable and appropriate areas for people accessing mental health services.

A new air-conditioning system and updated information and communications technology equipment will be installed as part of the project.

The refurbishment is expected to provide a more welcoming environment for patients, visitors and employees while improving the facility’s capacity to deliver essential community mental health services.

Work on the Aruma Community Mental Health facility is expected to begin in mid-2027.

On the Mid North Coast, the funding will support the development of new office and collaboration spaces at Coffs Harbour Health Campus.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the program would deliver practical improvements to health infrastructure across the two regions.

“We are investing in the essential health infrastructure communities across the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW need and deserve,” Mr Park said.

“The Regional Health Minor Works Program will provide essential upgrades to infrastructure, improve staff and patient amenities, and help deliver better health services for communities across NSW.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said the funding reflected community priorities and would help ensure facilities continued meeting local healthcare needs.

“These upgrades will help ensure our health facilities remain fit for purpose and continue providing high-quality care for Clarence Valley communities now and into the future,” Ms Saffin said.

Labor spokesperson for Clarence Emily Suvaal said community mental health facilities were particularly important in regional areas.

“Community mental health facilities like Aruma are critical assets, particularly in regional areas,” Ms Suvaal said.

“There is a lot happening in Grafton at the moment, and this exciting refurbishment builds upon the Minns Labor Government’s investment in the region.”

The Regional Health Minor Works Program complements the NSW Government’s broader health infrastructure program.

The 2026–27 NSW Budget includes an $11.9 billion commitment to deliver 32 new or upgraded hospitals, including almost $3 billion over four years for hospital projects across regional NSW.