Diabetes, mental health, child wellbeing, and addiction medicine rates are diabolical in Macarthur and South Western Sydney.
It’s even worse for Aboriginal people who live in this region.
But the cavalry is on the way, with the formal opening this morning of the $55 million Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building just metres away from the Emergency department of Campbelltown Hospital.
Premier Chris Minns did the honours, but it was Greg Warren, the member for Campbelltown, who hit the nail on the head during a short speech.
“Bricks and mortar are very welcome, but the best outcome from this building would be the research that comes out of it,’’ he said.
“There’s no doubt the research that will be done here will change, and indeed save lives,’’ Mr Warren said.
The facility has been developed in partnership with Western Sydney University, South Western Sydney Local Health District, the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research and UNSW Sydney, with the financial, development and delivery support of the Walker Corporation.
Once fully operation from February next year, it will focus on developing treatments and therapies to improve outcomes for people living with complex health issues such as the ones noted above.
Situated on the grounds of Campbelltown Hospital – and indeed connected physically to it – the multi-storey building features the latest research technologies and cutting-edge laboratories.
It is also located next to the Western Sydney University’s Macarthur Clinical School, bringing together local and international researchers, clinicians, and post-graduate students.
“Lang Walker left an enormous legacy across NSW, and that continues with this medical research facility,’’ Premier Minns said this morning
“The discoveries made at this facility will become real-world treatments that will improve lives.
“This is cutting-edge infrastructure that will boost health outcomes in NSW and across the world.”
David Gallant, Walker Corporation managing director and CEO, attended this morning’s formalities.
“Lang Walker said to me: I am happy to donate that money, but I want to make sure it’s built well, it’s designed well, there’s great value for money.
“The Walker family is looking forward to a tour of the building in February when it opens and to talk to the researchers to understand the work that will be getting done here.
“On behalf of the company, for us this is one small way we can contribute to making a difference in research and health in this region,’’ Mr Gallant said.
The CEO of the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Simone Proft, also attended the opening.
“Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research was founded to improve the health of the people of South Western Sydney, and we are thrilled to be expanding into the Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building – Macarthur.
“This incredible new facility will enable us to connect with the communities served by Campbelltown Hospital, providing significantly increased research capacity to address the health conditions which impact most greatly on their lives.’’