Major project milestone for new RFDS rural health and education centre

The Royal Flying Doctor Service SA/NT’s (RFDS) new $21 million rural health and education centre has finished construction, bringing the state’s Far North one step closer to increased access to primary health care.

This major boost to regional health services has been supported by almost $1 million in funding from the Malinauskas Government, with further funding sourced from the RFDS donor community and RFDS major sponsor BHP.

Set to open in mid-2027, the Port Augusta Centre for Rural Health and Education will provide increased access to multi-disciplinary primary health services for the local community and existing RFDS patients who live remotely, but visit Port Augusta regularly.

The state-of-the-art centre will provide a bulk-billed GP and nurse-led primary health service; an education and training base offering placements for junior doctors, medical, nursing and allied health students in partnership with education providers, and fit-for-purpose facilities for School of the Air.

The centre is expected to help attract, train and retain a future health workforce for the Far North, including Rural Generalists – doctors specialising in health care delivery in the bush.

RFDS has confirmed School of the Air as the first partner to be based at the centre, delivering fit-for-purpose facilities to enhance learning experiences for Reception to Year 6 students from outback areas such as the Gawler Ranges, Stuart Highway, Oodnadatta Track, Innamincka, Birdsville Track and Flinders Ranges.