Did you know that Bloomfield Hospital in Orange was established in 1925 as one of only three dedicated mental health facilities in rural NSW?

The iconic building marks 100 years in 2025 and is deeply connected to the wider region of western NSW.

Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is using that centenary to talk about the evolution of mental health care and to celebrate the history of this important institution.

WNSWLHD Director of Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Helen McFarlane said a series of events in Orange will commemorate the milestone and offer an opportunity to reflect on the hospital’s rich history.

“Bloomfield Hospital has always been an extremely important facility for our communities and continues to be vital not just for locals in Orange and western NSW, but for people across the entire state,” Ms McFarlane said.

“The Centenary is a chance to explore Bloomfield’s history, look back on the significant changes the campus has undergone over the years, and learn about the experiences of the people who have provided and received care.

“It is also a valuable opportunity for reflection.

"The way we deliver mental health care has changed significantly over time and it is important that we recognise and acknowledge the progress that has and continues to be made.”

An historical photo of Bloomfield Hospital. [IMAGE: Orange & District Historical Society]

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said Bloomfield Hospital is an iconic and vital facility, and reaching 100 years of caring for the people of Orange and western NSW is an incredible milestone that deserves recognition.

“This is a great opportunity to recognise not just the staff who provide high quality care at Orange now, but also those who have come before them, and to acknowledge their contribution to the people and communities across western NSW.” Ms Jackson said.

WNSWLHD Director of Nursing for Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Sharon McIntyre said the Centenary celebrations will include walking tours, concerts and tree plantings, along with two flagship community and staff events next month.

She said that in November, the Orange Regional Museum will open a special Bloomfield Hospital Exhibition so the community can explore the hospital’s history, and a Reunion Dinner will also be held for staff past and present.

Today, Bloomfield stands as Australia’s largest rural mental health service, recognised for its historical and architectural significance and its continuing role in delivering hospital and community-based mental health, drug and alcohol services.

Many Western Plains hospitals have already reached their centenary of service to local residents. 

Coonamble has provided hospital care to the community for at least a century, with records showing an operating District Hospital (with matron and medical staff, and fundraising events held for it) in 1925 and earlier.

Several other Western Plains towns including places like Nyngan, Bourke, Walgett, Gilgandra and Warren have long-running district hospitals or multi-purpose services that date back many decades, often to the early 1900s, and sometimes earlier.

More information on the Bloomfield Hospital Centenary, the program of events and how community members can get involved is available on the WNSWLHD website.