Securing a healthier future – regional health centre undergoes transformation

A much-anticipated redevelopment project is now complete, transforming one of WA’s largest regional health centres into an integrated, streamlined health hub.

Situated in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, the recently opened Bega Health Hub will be a defining milestone for the local Indigenous community, as well as Bega Garnbirringu Health Service Incorporated (Bega) staff.

Following over $1.8 million of funding from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC), Bega will run a consolidated allied health program from a modern, fit for purpose building, joining its holistic services which currently operate across three adjacent properties.

The WA Government has also supported the redevelopment project through its Lotterywest grant, with Bega contributing over 25% of funding themselves.

The approximately $13 million project will enable Bega to manage their comprehensive health care services from a culturally safe and easily accessible precinct.

For over 40 years, Bega has proudly serviced Aboriginal peoples in the Goldfields-Esperance region – the largest region in WA – which spans nearly one million square kilometres, around the same size as Egypt.

Bega’s demands are set to naturally increase, with an estimated 35% growth in clients accessing their social support services over the next three years. Although, this is largely dependent on the required infrastructure being available.

The region’s estimated population is just over 54,000, with Indigenous peoples representing approximately 12%. This is greater than the state average population of Indigenous peoples of 3.6%.

This is just one reason why the Bega Health Hub’s success is paramount.

Bega believes health services should be delivered to Aboriginal people in a holistic manner, acknowledging the social determinants of health and the history of Indigenous contact with western society.

Bega Chairperson, Mr Fabian Tucker, said the hub represents an important step towards realising Bega's long-term vision for the region.

"This development is about investing in the future, creating a space that brings our services together, strengthens community connection, and supports the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Goldfields."

Bega Chief Executive Officer, Mr Marlon Fernando, said the new facility would create significant opportunities to strengthen service delivery and organisational growth.

"The Hub allows us to better integrate our services and expand our capacity to deliver health, training and social services that respond to the evolving needs of our community."

ILSC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Joe Morrison, said the Bega Health Hub is a prime example of why the ILSC strives to create opportunities for Indigenous groups to develop and manage projects across Australia.

“The Bega Health Hub is vital for the local Indigenous community, as it is the largest Aboriginal medical centre in the Goldfields-Esperance region.

“The ILSC’s funding towards this project extends beyond infrastructure – it’s an investment in the people the hub will serve for generations to come.

“I look forward to the opening of the Bega Health Hub and seeing Bega’s hard work come to fruition,” said Mr Morrison.

An official opening is set to take place in late 2026. The redeveloped Bega Health Hub will be located at 12-14 MacDonald Street, Kalgoorlie WA.