Joint media release with the Hon Tara Moriarty MLC and the Hon Stephen Kamper MP
One of the Far South Coast's most prominent heritage landmarks, the Old Bega Hospital's main building, has been officially reopened after a multi-million dollar restoration.
The Old Bega Hospital was all but destroyed by fire following an electrical fault in 2004.
More than 20 years after the blaze and 136 years since the original building was constructed with community funding, the local icon has been restored for use by a range of community organisations.
Restoration of the main building has been driven by the Old Bega Hospital Reserve Land Manager, Design 5 Architects, NSW Public Works and local company Leser Build, with funding support from the Australian and NSW Governments.
The project earned praise and two awards at the 2025 National Trust NSW Heritage Awards last month taking out the Built Conservation category and Judges' Choice award.
The Old Bega Hospital is located about 3km south of Bega on a Crown reserve managed by the Old Bega Hospital Reserve Land Manager, a volunteer community board.
The 1.6ha site comprises the main hospital building and several other outbuildings, including a nurse's quarters, former laundry and boiler room, former operating theatre, a men's shed, and a demountable office.
The project received $1.55 million from the Australian Government's Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program and $4.17 million from the NSW Government.
For further information visit the Old Bega Hospital website.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain
"The Old Bega hospital is such an important hub for the Bega Valley - providing a meeting place for many vital community organisations.
I'm so proud to see its restoration complete and would like to congratulate everyone who has worked so hard over many years to reach this point.
"I look forward to seeing how the space will be used to continue to make great memories for our community."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty
"Today's official reopening of this iconic landmark symbolises a new start for Old Bega Hospital as an operating hub and meeting place for community groups and organisations.
"Restoring historic community buildings like the Old Bega Hospital is important as they maintain tangible links to the past, reflect the area's unique history, and contribute to community identity, pride and social cohesion."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper
"Crown reserves play an essential role providing land for public facilities and space for community organisations to do their good work, so it is terrific to see this restoration bring Old Bega Hospital back from the ashes and give it a new lease of life."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland
"I am very pleased to today announce an additional $400,000 Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) grant for Stage 3 restoration of the Old Bega Hospital including new flooring, ceilings, render works, painting, decking, car spaces and road works, a new shed and furniture.
"This funding for the final stage of the Old Bega Hospital project will complete the restoration of the main building as the OBH Regional Community Cultural Centre providing extra rooms for community use and unlocking the precinct's full potential."
