New CDU health teaching and research facility marks construction milestone

First published by Charles Darwin University

Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) new $25.8 million Centre for Better Health Futures has marked a significant construction milestone. 

The new health teaching and research facility celebrated its 'topping out' in Darwin today, with the installation of the Centre’s roof allowing construction to continue throughout the Wet Season.

Once complete, the 3,684 square-metre, three‑storey building will deliver practical learning facilities along with laboratory environments and research infrastructure.

Built by SHAPE Australia, the Centre will include a simulated emergency department and 12-bed hospital ward, giving students the best possible preparation to join the growing Northern Territory health workforce.

Preclinical and clinical simulation environments will also be equipped with virtual reality and mobile technologies that can be used by students at CDU campuses across the Territory - including Nhulunbuy, Katherine and Alice Springs. 

CDUs Pro Vice-Chancellor Faculty of Health, Professor Dominic Upton, said the new building would be a “game changer” for educating health and medical professionals in the Territory.  

“CDU students will have access to state-of-the-art teaching resources and real-world clinical facilities, ensuring they are well placed to make a significant contribution to the Territory workforce on their graduation,” Professor Upton said.

“Bringing all professions together - from medicine, nursing, and allied health sciences, the focus on interprofessional working will enhance the excellence of their education and ensure students are well set-up to enter the professional workforce.

"With scenarios and resources specifically designed for the Territory’s unique and challenging environment, this new facility will be the jewel in the crown CDUs Faculty of Health."

In total, $25.8 million has been invested in the Centre, including $10 million from the Federal Government and $15.8 million from CDU.

Federal Minister for Northern Australia, the Hon Madeleine King MP, said “people living in the Top End deserve access to world-class education and top-quality healthcare” and that the Centre will deliver both. 

“This project, which was supported by a $151.5 million loan from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility is another example of the Albanese Government delivering economic, social and community outcomes for the NT,” Minister King said. 

Federal Member for Solomon and Special Envoy for Northern Australia, Luke Gosling OAM MP, said the Centre for Better Health Futures is, "all about building the Territory."

"The Territory needs more health care workers, and this Centre is another step towards that," Mr Gosling said. 

"It builds on the numerous initiatives at CDU supported by the Albanese Government including the new Medical School, the recently opened CDU City Campus – Danala, and CDUs recently expanded allied health services."

SHAPE Australia’s General Manager – Northern Territory, Nicholas Mills, said the topping out is a “significant achievement” for the project and the hundreds of local workers.

“Reaching the topping out milestone is a significant achievement for our construction team and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the more than 250 local Territorian workers across our 35 subcontractors,” Mr Mills said.

“We are on track and making excellent progress towards the completion of this state-of-the-art facility, and this crucial phase allows us to proceed with interior work throughout the Wet Season.”

The Centre for Better Health Futures is on track for completion by mid-2025.