About Us

The primary focus of Bawrunga Aboriginal Medical Service (BAMS) is on Preventative Health Education and Chronic Disease Management, including delivery of a range of Community based Outreach Programs, using Primary Health Care, Specialist and Allied Health Services.

BAMS strives to work effectively and efficiently in addressing the priorities established by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, as well as providing services for the broader Community, drawing on feedback from, and consultation with, the Community.

BAMS operates General Practices on the NSW Mid North Coast at Nambucca Heads and Macksville as well as Western New South Wales at Dubbo, Gilgandra and Gulargambone. In this way, BAMS continues to play a key role in the provision of local employment and training opportunities, including those for local Aboriginal people.

Our Focus

Our focus is on delivering Comprehensive Primary Healthcare services that address the unique health needs of First Nations people and communities. We strive to provide holistic care that considers physical, mental, emotional, and cultural wellbeing. Through our services, we aim to close the gap in health outcomes and empower our communities to lead healthier lives.

 

Board of Directors

Management Team

Leavina Reid

Chief Executive Officer

Tracey Mills

Operations Manager

Sarah Ttooulou

Practice Manager

General Practitioners

Dr David Hamidi

After hours Aged Care

Dr Miroslava Kon

Dr Bea Joi Javellana

Dr Rabeea Saeed

Dr Nanda Pathirana

Dr. Nusrat Akhi

Dr George Zhang

Dr Muhammad Din

Allied Health

Jeffery Hardcastle

Mental Health Practitioner

Clinical Nursing Staff

Simone Thomas

Nurse Team Leader

Therese King

Nurse

Anne-Marie Grace

Nurse

Jemma Toohey

Registered nurse

Admin Staff

Brad Whalen

Admin Team Leader

Kathryn McMahon

Administration Officer

Rhoda Reid

Administration Officer

Tereza Stewart

Administration Officer

Leavina L. Reid

Administration Support Officer

Sarah Olsen

Administration Officer

Valma Jarrett

Administration Officer

Valma Jarrett

Administration Officer

 

Who We Are

Bawrunga Aboriginal Medical Services is a Community-Controlled health service operating for 27 years without Federal or State funding, we are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of First Nations people and broader community. Our team of healthcare professionals is committed to providing culturally appropriate and accessible healthcare services to our communities.

IBA News Articles

Local Health Boost for Indigenous people

A mother’s love sparked a movement: Legacy of Bawrunga Medical Services

BAMS Timeline: A Journey Through Our History

BAMS Incorporation

Bawrunga Aboriginal Medical Service was established to provide culturally appropriate healthcare to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

1997

First Clinic Opening

The first BAMS clinic was opened in Bowraville NSW with Dr. Larry Yee's involvement, marking the beginning of dedicated Aboriginal healthcare services.

1999

Nambucca Heads Clinic Established

BAMS opened in Nambucca Heads on Ridge Street, expanded its range of services to include more comprehensive healthcare options for the Aboriginal community.

2003

Moved Nambucca Clinic

Moved Nambucca Clinic to larger premises in Bowra St

2004

Ongoing Local Sports Team Sponsorship

BAMS have been proudly supporting local Sports Teams since 2005 with ongoing sponsorship still happening.

Expansion into Macksville

BAMS opened a clinic in Macksville on Princess Street.

 
 
2005

Outreach Clinic opened in Gulargambone

BAMS utilises FIFO Doctors to Open an Outreach Clinic in Gulargambone, this clinic is still operating today.

 
2006

Opening Gilgandra clinic

BAMS utilises FIFO Doctors to Open a clinic in Gilgandra, this clinic is still operating today.

 
 
2007

Purchase of 1 Marshall Way - Nambucca Heads

BAMS secured finance through Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) to purchase their new Head Office and Clinic at 1 Marshall Way, Nambucca Heads, this site still operates a clinic and as Head Office.

2008

BAMS Expansion into Dubbo NSW

BAMS opened a clinic in Dubbo on Brisbane Street, bringing Medical Services to the town.

 
2010

A huge Year for BAMS Exciting Plans ahead

BAMS successfully won the Tender from the Commonwealth to open and manage the Coffs Harbour GP Superclinic.

Macksville Clinic Relocation

BAMS relocated the Macksville clinic to Cooper Street, Macksville, near Woolworths.

2011

Coffs Harbour GP Superclinic - First SOD turned

The Ground was broken, construction officially began on a Multi Million Dollar Construction of the Super Clinic in Coffs Harbour, a huge milestone in bringing healthcare to the population.

2013

Coffs Harbour GP Superclinic - Official Opening

The Super Clinic was officially opened by the Minister for Health, a huge milestone in bringing healthcare to the population.

2014

25 Year Anniversary

Showing no sign of slowing down, we relocated 2 of our clinics in 2022, what a great way to celebrate 25 years of BAMS!

Macksville Relocation

Another Huge year for BAMS, with not just one relocation, but 2, with our Macksville Clinic relocation to its current site at 35 Princess Street in Macksville.

Dubbo Relocation to Custom Built Premises

BAMS relocated to a custom built premises on at 101 Talbragar St, Dubbo.

2022

BAMS IMPACT PROJECT Launched

Launch of the BAMS IMPACT PROJECT to address social determinants of health and wellbeing in Aboriginal communities.

2025