CDU unveils new $31m Centre for Better Health Futures to boost health student numbers
Sneak peek at the new $31m CDU health centre which promises to boost the Territory’s homegrown medical and allied health workforce. Watch the video.
A new $31m state-of-the-art health training complex at CDU has positioned Darwin as a key northern training hub for future health professionals.
The NT News was given an exclusive sneak peek at the Charles Darwin University’s new health teaching and training complex and administrators have good reason to be optimistic that the modern infrastructure will attract and retain much needed Territory health workers.
The Centre for Better Health Futures is located at the sprawling Casuarina campus and is equipped with the latest modern technologies and facilities, including a full simulation 12-bed hospital ward.
Faculty of Health Professor Dominic Upton said the ward would allow medical, allied health and paramedicine students to simulate the full process of an emergency medical response.
“It’s where the rubber hits the road in terms of clinical practice,” he explained.
“It allows for the whole transition from emergency admission through to exit and rehab.”
For example, students can simulate a car crash on campus, have the paramedicine students transport them to the health building, see medicine and nursing students receive them at the emergency ward, then be treated by occupational therapists and speech pathologists in the rehabilitation ward.
The building will also host a health hub where students can provide clinical advice and treatment under the supervision of professors and staff, allowing for cheaper treatment options.
Central to the $15m investment from the Australian government and the remaining $15.8m from CDU is the hope the centre will attract and retain local, domestic and international students to choose CDU for their health degrees.
It also allows CDU to begin delivering a doctorate of medicine in partnership with Menzies Health.
Professor Upton said the centre has capacity to accept 60 medicine students, 200 in nursing, 100 in occupational therapy, 60 in paramedicine and 40 studying speech pathology each year beginning in 2026.
“Territorians deserve the best healthcare possible,” federal NT member Luke Gosling said.
“By training more of our health workforce locally, CDU is ensuring we have people with the right skills, staying in the Territory, and supporting our community.”
SHAPE Australia’s General Manager NT Nicholas Mills said about 90% of the $30.8m build went back into the Territory economy.
“This Centre is a landmark project for the Northern Territory, and SHAPE Australia is proud to have helped bring it to life,” Mr Mills said.
“The success of the project is a testament to the more than 500 local workers involved across our 54 subcontractors, including 68 apprentices and trainees who gained valuable on-the-job experience.
“This collaboration has delivered a state-of-the-art facility for CDU, while providing real benefits to the Territory’s workforce well before the first students arrive.”
More Coverage
Originally published as CDU unveils new $31m Centre for Better Health Futures to boost health student numbers
Join the conversation
The great HECS debt slashing begins – how much will you save?
Read more
Brand-new ‘study hub’ brings city unis to Western Sydney kids
Read more