CDU Health Hub doubles service delivery as demand surges
Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Health Hub has more than doubled its service delivery in just two years, with client numbers, student placements and partnerships all recording significant growth.
First published by Charles Darwin University
Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Health Hub has more than doubled its service delivery in just two years, with client numbers, student placements and partnerships all recording significant growth.
The Health Hub is CDU’s multidisciplinary training and community clinic, where students in health disciplines provide supervised care to the public while gaining hands-on clinical experience in fields including audiology, psychology and occupational therapy.
Since 2023, client demand has increased by 120 per cent, with 44 per cent growth in 2025 alone.
Student placements have also surged, rising from just over 1,100 days in 2023 to more than 3,000 in 2025 - a 165 per cent increase.
The Hub has expanded from a single on-site service to five delivery sites, including telehealth, while community partnerships have more than doubled.
Much of the care is delivered free of charge to people who may otherwise have no access to essential services, with students providing care under the supervision of clinical educators.
CDU Allied Health Services Manager Fiona Tipping said the growth reflects the Hub’s dual role in training future health professionals and meeting critical community needs.
“The Health Hub is providing more services to more people than ever before,” Ms Tipping said.
“At the same time, our students are gaining invaluable clinical experience across a growing number of disciplines, ensuring we are building a strong and skilled local workforce.”
CDU Head of School Allied Health Sciences Professor Nicole O'Reilly said the Health Hub’s expansion shows the university’s commitment to delivering impact beyond the classroom.
“This is a model that benefits everyone - our students, our partners and the Territory community,” Professor O'Reilly said.
“By investing in innovative health education and service delivery, CDU is helping to build healthier communities and prepare the health workforce of the future.”
With strong demand for services continuing, CDU is planning to expand into new areas including oncology rehabilitation, midwifery, oral health and memory clinics, ensuring the Health Hub remains at the forefront of addressing the Territory’s health needs.
The expansion of CDUs allied health clinical placement and service offerings is facilitated by the Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NT PHN) with $396,000 in Federal Government funding.
Federal Member for Solomon (Darwin and Palmerston) and Special Envoy for Northern Australia Luke Gosling OAM MP said the investment demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting Territorians’ health.
“By investing in CDU’s Health Hub, the Federal Government is helping ensure Territorians can access the services they need while also training the next generation of health professionals right here in the Territory,” Mr Gosling said.
“The Health Hub expansion is part of a bigger picture. Alongside the new CDU Medical School, the Better Health Futures building, and the Danala City Campus, we are backing CDU to deliver the health workforce and services the Territory needs now and into the future.”
