Frustration was apparent in the 2022 annual report of the Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service (WAMS).

Mary Purse, the chairperson of the WAMS Board of Directors noted that "for some fifteen years past, the federal government are not responding to WAMS formal applications for the expansion of the Sandon Street property."

"With each passing year, staffing of this property is limited, renovations are not possible, given WAMS are not the legal owners of the property, expansions of clinical care is restricted due to lack of office space," Ms Purse said.

Efforts to access funding have finally paid off with WAMS recently being awarded funding from the Federal Government’s $120 million allocated for major capital works at community‑controlled organisations.

Funding will help construct a new purpose built Aboriginal Medical Service building in Brewarrina.

"(We) are very pleased WAMS has secured the funding to assist in the build in a new purpose-built building and looking forward to the Brewarrina community having access to new state of the art primary health care facility,” Ms Purse said after the announcement.

BAMS services Brewarrina and the surrounding communities and small towns in the area, providing not only health care but also programs which focus on Aboriginal culture, youth, education, housing and all aspects of life in a remote rural community for Aboriginal people.

BAMS is auspiced by the Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Limited (WAMS) who accepted an invitation from the NSW Department of Health to oversee the running of the service to maintain a well-disciplined Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO).

Chief Operations Manager, Katrina Ward is excited to oversee the new project for enhancing medical services for the Brewarrina community and offered thanks the WAMS Board of Directors and CEO for their continued support and assistance in maintaining medical services for the local and surrounding communities.

WAMS CEO, Mrs Christine Corby AM, who also recognises the overdue need for a new medical facility in Brewarrina, was very happy with the funding outcome.

"I am proud of Katrina’s leadership and the BAMS team for their dedication and advocacy for improving health within the Brewarrina community," Ms Corby said.

Staff at Brewarrina Aboriginal Medical Service have been involved in consultation of the design of the building and community members will be invited to provide input in the coming months. 

The projects will improve First Nations health services, as well as provide the facilities clinical staff need to deliver culturally-safe and appropriate care.