Pooncarie Hospital Reserve transformed – delivering more care, closer to home
People of Pooncarie and the surrounding districts are seeing real health benefits from a major upgrade to the Pooncarie Hospital Reserve, with funding from Crown Lands supporting new facilities and improved access to primary health care for the tiny south-west NSW town.
The redevelopment has transformed what was once a neglected site into a modern health hub, featuring a renovated house and separate clinic, next door to the local ambulance station. This upgraded facility now supports regular visits and accommodation for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, as well as mental health practitioners, dentists, drug and alcohol specialists, and GPs.
Key improvements include:
- a new kitchen, bathroom, and laundry in the residence
- new hospital examination beds in the clinic
- meter upgrades and new air conditioners
- a new verandah for shade and comfort
- additional furniture for the clinic.
This transformation has been powered by the dedication of long-serving community volunteer Katie Robinson, together with the committed members of the Pooncarie Hospital Reserve Land Manager Board and other local volunteers. Their efforts, combined with a $98,000 grant from the Crown Reserve Improvement Fund and support from local events like the Desert Dash, Sunraysia Safari, and Pooncarie Race Day, have made this redevelopment possible.
Now, visiting clinicians can stay in Pooncarie, making it much easier to deliver essential care to people who would otherwise have to travel hours for an appointment. Patients also have a comfortable, shaded place to wait, something the community realised was desperately needed during the challenges of COVID-19.
Since the upgrades, primary health care visits have surged, and ambulance callouts have dropped dramatically from 6–8 every fortnight to an average of just one a month. It’s a powerful sign of how much healthier and better supported the Pooncarie community is today.
Director Regional Operations West, Crown Lands and Public Spaces, Sharon Hawke said:
The local Crown land manager board and volunteers knew exactly what the community needed at the Pooncarie Hospital Reserve, and the NSW Government was glad to support their work. By working closely together, we were able to deliver upgrades that are safe, practical and suitable for visiting health staff. These improvements mean services can continue to be delivered locally, and it’s a strong result for the Pooncarie community.
Pooncarie Hospital Reserve Land Manager Board, Katie Robinson said:
“This project is about making sure people in Pooncarie and the surrounding district can get the care they need, when they need it, without having to travel hours away. It’s been a real community effort, everyone pitched in, and now we have a facility that’s welcoming for visiting clinicians and comfortable for patients. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together, and I know it’s already making a difference to people’s lives.”