Construction has begun on a new purpose-built health care centre for First Nations people in Ceduna and the far west coast of South Australia.
The centre will address the increasing need for culturally appropriate, fit-for-purpose health infrastructure in the region, while strengthening the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service sector.
Contributions from the federal government, South Australian government and Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation made the construction of the centre possible.
Yadu Health chief executive officer, Torrien Lau, said the milestone marks an important step forward in a commitment to delivering culturally safe and accessible healthcare.
"This new clinic will expand our services, provide modern facilities, and ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Ceduna, Koonibba, Scotdesco and surrounding homelands continue to receive the best possible care, close to home," Mr Lau said.
"With increased space, improved resources, and state-of-the-art medical facilities, this clinic will empower our people to take charge of their health and wellbeing.
"We are proud of the legacy we are building together, ensuring that our children, Elders, and families have access to quality healthcare."
The centre will support the some 1,300 Aboriginal people living in the far west region of SA, including large communties in Ceduna, Koonibba, Yalata, Oak Valley, and Scotdesco, as well as many homelands.
The South Australian Government contributed $2.5 million to the project.
South Australian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Kyam Maher, said the centre will improve health services for Aboriginal people in the state's far west.
"Having visited the old Yadu health clinic in Ceduna a number of times, I know firsthand how unfit for purpose the building was," Mr Maher said.
"This new, state-of-the-art facility will go a long way to ensure Aboriginal people on the Far West Coast have access to high-quality health services when its required."
Yadu Health previously operated from a rundown building which was demolished in January 2024. In its place, the new facility will include consultation rooms for primary health care services, a dental treatment space, rooms for visiting specialists and space for staff and training.
The federal government contributed $13.4 million to Yadu Health Service Aboriginal Corporation to build and fit out the new facility.
Federal Assistant Minister for Health and Age Care, Ged Kearney, said the new facility will be a place where lives will be saved, health outcomes improved, and care can be culturally safe.
"Health disparities facing First Nations people are unacceptable," Mr Kearney said.
"The Albanese Labor Government knows this, the Malinauskas Government knows this, and First Nations people in Ceduna certainly know it.
"By working together and listening to people on the ground we can make a real difference."
The investment in Yadu Health is part of the federal government's 2022 commitment of $164.3 million over four years for First Nations health infrastructure projects around Australia.
