The Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) and the Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (BACHS) have secured $6.4 and $5.3 million in funding respectively to update and expand their infrastructure. 

The funding is part of the $33.7 million in funding announced by the federal government to support Indigenous health infrastructure projects following the Joint Council on Closing the Gap Meeting. 

It means new facilities to serve the communities in both districts.

CAHS will build a brand-new, two-facility, in the spot where the current Coonamble Local Aboriginal Land Council's (CLALC) office is. 

The CLALC will move across the road to the current CAHS complex in Castlereagh Street. 

"We've been trying to secure land and building fund for new combined offices and clinic since I started with the organisation," CAHS CEO Phil Naden said. 

"There will be about 18 offices, disabled access, and even an elevator."

"The old clinic is really old. Older than the organisation itself."

"We've been through a long process which has been a real team effort and involved consultants, advisers, and architects to secure the funding."

Mr Naden said they received 35 letters of support from local, regional, and state partners. 

"The funding body was overwhelmed to see such a high level of support from a community that fully backs us." 

Community drop-in session in Bourke

BACHS will use its funding to contribute to the rising costs of construction materials for the Primary Health Care facility.

It has been 38 years since the BACHS saw its last renovation or expansion. 

"This funding means we have secured the long-term future of providing health services for Bourke and surrounding townships Aboriginal community members and the broader community," John Fetuani, CEO of BACHS, said. 

Mr Fetuani said that upon receiving news of the funding, community drop-in sessions in Bourke and Enngonia were held to establish what designs are culturally appropriate and work best clinically for current patients. 

"The feedback from the community will make BACHS' future clinic a better place."

The Aboriginal Health Centres are excited for the opportunity to provide new facilities. 

"All we want is a new building for staff and patients to be comfortable and safe in a clinic designed for the 21st century," Mr Naden said.