After nine years of operation in Nambucca Heads on NSW’s Mid-North Coast, the Bawrunga Aboriginal Medical Centre finally has a permanent home, thanks to IBA’s assistance in compiling a business plan and providing a loan to purchase and fit out the building.
Bawrunga Aboriginal Medical Services (BAMS), which is run by a board of Indigenous elders, has operated since 1999 when it had just 500 patients and one doctor working two days a week.
Now the centre has more than 8500 people using its services, with three full time doctors working between Bawrunga and their other medical centre in Macksville. The doctors are thrilled to be working in the new
and upgraded facilities and patients are happy that the service offers bulk billing to the whole community.
The centre was launched in June 2008, with plans to expand its reach to other regions right across the State.
Bob Blair, acting Chair of IBA said that the BAMS is “testimony to what can be achieved when Indigenous people take control of their destiny and aspire to build strong and appropriate businesses”.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Bawrunga Aboriginal Medical Service to continue developing their business commercially in order to deliver wider social objectives”.
Bob Blair, acting Chair, IBA