Deakin Warrnambool Health precinct undergoing multi-million-dollar upgrade

Construction of a multi-million-dollar refurbished Health Precinct at Deakin's Warrnambool Campus has begun.

The first of its kind in the region, the project will deliver state-of-the-art facilities to support Deakin's world-class programmes in Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, and Occupational Therapy.

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Deakin Distinguished Professor Rachel Huxley said:

'By expanding our multidisciplinary health programmes in the region, we are growing the health workforce to better support the current and future needs of our regional and rural communities.'

Director of Deakin's Warrnambool Campus, Mr Alistair McCosh said:

'The refurbishment of our existing health teaching spaces marks a significant step in enhancing our on-campus Health facilities at the Warrnambool Campus.

These specialised simulation spaces and clinical teaching rooms are designed to provide our students with the cutting-edge resources they need to excel in their fields.

With this project, we are not just upgrading facilities; we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering top-tier education in Occupational Therapy, Medicine, and Nursing and Midwifery. Our future health professionals will benefit from world-class learning environments right here in Warrnambool.

This project is about preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and competence.'

Local business Fairbrother Pty Ltd was successful in securing the head contract, which includes ​​the refurbishment of Level 2 in Buildings F and J, to create clinical teaching rooms, as well as five dedicated simulation spaces, including hospital ward simulations for nursing and medicine, and domestic simulation rooms for Occupational Therapy students.

'Deakin University is committed to advancing higher education in regional areas, and this project is a testament to that commitment. The new facilities will not only enhance our academic offerings but also play a crucial role in improving healthcare outcomes across the south-west region.

The support from the Federal Government to recruit and retain rural students to live and work in their own communities, is instrumental in helping us create an Integrated Health Precinct that will have a lasting impact on the region,' said Mr McCosh.

The project is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025.