Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling today welcomed Minister for Health and Wellbeing Blair Boyer MP to mark the start of major new infrastructure project that will power South Australia's first fully regional four-year medical degree.
The redevelopment and expansion will support Flinders' South Australian Rural Medical (SARM) Program - giving students the opportunity to complete their entire Doctor of Medicine in regional South Australia.
With construction commencing, it is a major step toward delivering more doctors for regional South Australia and strengthening access to healthcare for local communities.
The building works mark a major milestone in the delivery of the $13 million project, representing a significant investment in regional medical education and has been developed as part of a partnership between the South Australian Government and Flinders University.
Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling Flinders said he was excited to break ground at the Mount Gambier Campus, delivering new infrastructure that would underpin SARM and train more doctors where they're needed.
"Our University has been training doctors for more than 50 years and experience tells us that students who study in the regions are more likely to stay and serve those communities, making a lasting, positive impact on regional health outcomes," Professor Stirling said.
"Supported by the State Government, this investment will significantly expand Flinders' Mount Gambier campus to accommodate 120 students in purpose-built teaching and learning spaces, alongside upgrades to existing facilities.
"This project will deliver a major boost to South Australia's regional doctors pipeline, in partnership with the local hospital."
The new site will substantially expand existing training facilities in the area, growing the number of medical students on site from 60 to 120 students each year.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Blair Boyer MP, said the investment was ensuring country communities had the same access to healthcare as metropolitan areas.
"This project is a clear demonstration of our commitment to strengthening regional South Australia and backing communities like Mount Gambier for the long term, Minister Boyer said.
"By building training, education and career opportunities locally, we're supporting regional jobs, attracting skilled professionals and strengthening the local economy."
For more than 50 years, Flinders has trained medical professionals, and the evidence is clear: students who study in regional areas are more likely to stay and serve their communities.
With a larger teaching capacity and clinical training environment, more students are able to train, live and work locally - building strong connections with the communities they will go on to serve.
Spanning about 750 square metres, the new build will see a total refurbishment of existing campus facilities, updated clinical teaching and anatomy labs, and increasing carparking.
The project will also deliver two new learning spaces, student study areas, as well as contemporary staff offices and meeting rooms.
The first stage of construction includes civil works, with structural works to commence later this year.
Work on the training centre is expected to be completed next year.
