Bourke Integrated Primary Health Care Centre
Client:
Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (BACHS)
Year Completed:
Stage 1 funding secured 2022; Stage 2 funding secured 2023
Location:
Bourke, NSW
Services/engagement type:
Grant application development – EOIs and full applications across two stages
Brief Overview
The Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (BACHS) sought to replace outdated and fragmented facilities with a new, purpose-built health care centre. The project responds to growing demand for culturally safe services in a remote community, providing a single hub for clinical, allied health and administrative functions. We were engaged to lead the business case preparation and secure investment through two successive national funding rounds.
Challenge / Context
BACHS operated across two ageing, overcrowded sites that were no longer fit for purpose. Patients — particularly elders and those with mobility issues — were forced to navigate multiple facilities, increasing pressure on staff and threatening accreditation. Demand for culturally appropriate care was rising, yet the infrastructure could not keep pace.
At the same time, the funding program was highly competitive, with Aboriginal health services across the country competing for limited allocations. To succeed, BACHS needed an application that not only addressed immediate infrastructure challenges but also demonstrated alignment with national policy goals and long-term health system sustainability.
Our Approach
We supported BACHS through two successive funding processes when initial allocations proved insufficient due to market pressures. Across both rounds, we:
Refined project staging to manage budget constraints.
Integrated technical inputs including site acquisition, land use constraints, and scope design.
Aligned the case uniquely to algin with the program priorities.
Presented a compelling narrative linking facility upgrades with measurable improvements in Aboriginal health access and outcomes.
This approach ensured BACHS remained competitive despite shifting costs and delivery risks.
Stage 1 (2022): Secured $8.06m to begin construction, delivering consulting rooms, waiting areas, staff spaces and core amenities.
Stage 2 (2023): Secured $5.34m to complete the centre, adding multi-purpose training rooms, additional treatment spaces, and expanded allied health facilities.
Established BACHS with a modern, consolidated facility capable of meeting current and future demand for culturally appropriate care.
Reinforced our capability in navigating policy-driven, competitive funding programs, successfully guiding a community health service through two major national rounds.
Demonstrated the importance of adaptive project structuring and strong stakeholder governance to keep complex community health projects investment-ready.
Outcomes
✓ $13.4m total funding secured
✓ Back-back funding rounds won
✓ Modern, consolidated Aboriginal health hub
*Cover photo sourced from Google Maps