Photo two: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, Bogan Shire Council General Manager Derek Francis and Deputy Mayor Victoria Boag at the opening of the Bogan Shire Medical Centre extension today.

The Nyngan community and surrounds have better access to health care, with the extension of the Bogan Shire Medical Centre now complete.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton today joined Bogan Shire Council Deputy Mayor Victoria Boag to officially open the $466,958 extension.

“This is an exciting day for Nyngan and surrounding communities, who will have greater access to doctors and medical services as a result of this much-needed extension,” Mr Coulton said.

“Including the addition of two consulting rooms, a nurses’/pathology room, two storerooms, a waiting area, paved walkway and new bathrooms, this extension was needed to support the growth in population in the Bogan Shire and to fill a gap in the provision of health services to the local community.

“It’s so important that our regional communities have access to medical services locally, to keep people in town and limit the amount of travel required for treatment.

“Delivering better health care also enhances the liveability of the region, and will encourage medical and other professionals to consider making the Bogan Shire home.

“I’m proud to have helped secure the funding for this important upgrade which has helped enhance facilities for both staff and patients.”

Bogan Shire Council Mayor Glen Neill said that the expanded facility will allow even more services to operate at the Bogan Shire Medical Centre for the benefit of the local community.

Mr Neill expressed his thanks to the Australian Government for the financial assistance that made this project possible.

The project supported three jobs during construction and supports another five ongoing roles on completion.

The Australian Government provided $350,218 towards the $466,958 project, under Round 4 of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), while Bogan Shire Council provided the remaining $116,740.

The Federal Government has also provided $611,432 through the former National Stronger Regions Fund for the original facility, as well as funding under the Drought Communities Programme.

Further details about the BBRF are available at www.business.gov.au/bbrf.