A new landmark medical research facility in south western Sydney is set to deliver world-leading health research and innovation to improve outcomes for people living with complex health issues.
NSW Premier Chris Minns, Health Minister Ryan Park and Minister for Medical Research David Harris officially opened the Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building - Macarthur on Thursday, 4 December, unveiling a commemorative plaque honouring the building's benefactor and namesake before joining a tour of the state-of-the-art facility.
Situated on the grounds of Campbelltown Hospital, the $55 million purpose-built multi-storey research facility will bring together local and international researchers, clinicians, and post-graduate students to address complex health issues in the community such as Indigenous health, diabetes, child health and wellbeing, mental health, and addiction medicine.
The locally based clinical expertise will improve community access to clinical research, enhance local health care and lead research of national significance and global impact.
The new facility is a tribute to the late Lang Walker AO, whose legacy reflects his generosity and his dedication to driving change through transformative building projects for the public and private sectors.
Home to the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research in Macarthur, the facility complements the NSW Government's $632 million Stage 2 Redevelopment of Campbelltown Hospital, completed in 2024, and the broader Campbelltown Health and Education Precinct.
The facility has been developed in partnership with Western Sydney University, South Western Sydney Local Health District and the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research and UNSW Sydney, with the financial, development and delivery support of Walker Corporation.
Quotes attributable to Premier Chris Minns:
"I am proud to stand next to our partners to officially open the new Lang Walker medical research facility today."
"The work undertaken here by our leading clinicians and researchers will help to drive improved patients outcomes locally, nationally and internationally."
Quotes attributable to Health Minister Ryan Park:
"I congratulate the family of the late Lang Walker AO, the Walker Group and the partners involved in the delivery of the magnificent Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building - Macarthur, a vital part of the Campbelltown Health and Education Precinct."
"This will be a hub of innovation, collaboration, education and research which will transform healthcare and impact the lives of the 1.2 million residents expected to call this region home from 2031."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Medical Research David Harris:
"This incredible new facility will help create fantastic opportunities to develop new, innovative methods to treat patients."
"Researchers in this new research centre will focus on complex health challenges, including mental health, diabetes, paediatrics, and addiction medicine, as well as helping close the gap in health outcomes for our Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse communities."
Quotes attributable to Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren:
"I have seen the incredible progress of the Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building - Macarthur from the ground up and I am excited the Macarthur community will now have a world-class centre of health research, complementing the redevelopment of Campbelltown Hospital."
Quotes attributable to Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO:
"The Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building – Macarthur stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when community, research, and innovation come together. Grounded in the needs of our region, this world-class facility is a home for research that will transform health outcomes locally and beyond."
"By listening to our community and turning research into action, we have created a place where innovative solutions will improve lives and shape the future of south western Sydney."
Quotes attributable to Western Sydney University Executive Dean, Faculty of Health, Professor Sarah Lewis:
"Located next to the University's Macarthur Clinical School, the Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building will provide an opportunity for researchers and clinicians to work more closely together, strengthening connections between research, education, and clinical practice. Western continues its commitment to supporting the health needs of a growing population in south-western Sydney."
Quotes attributable to South Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Sonia Marshall:
"The Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building - Macarthur will attract specialist researchers and clinicians to Campbelltown Hospital and provide opportunities for local patients and communities to take part in clinical research."
"There has never been a more exciting time to join the Campbelltown hospital as we work with our partners to build the future of healthcare in south western Sydney."
Quotes attributable to Walker Corporation Managing Director and CEO David Gallant representative:
"This cutting-edge facility is an incredible tribute to Walker's late founder, Lang Walker AO, whose enduring legacy reflects his generosity and dedication to driving generational change through transformative placemaking, health, education and cultural projects."
"Lang knew this centre would help hundreds of thousands of people with world class research and clinical care, and he'd be incredibly proud to see his namesake, the Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building opening its doors to local families across South Western Sydney."
Quotes attributable to Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research CEO Simone Proft:
"Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research was founded to improve the health of the people of south western Sydney and we are thrilled to be expanding into the Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building - Macarthur.
"This incredible new facility will enable us to connect with the communities served by Campbelltown Hospital, providing significantly increased research capacity to address the health conditions which impact most greatly on their lives."
Quotes attributable to UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs:
"UNSW has a proud and longstanding commitment to Greater Western Sydney, with decades of collaboration in health, education and research across the region. This facility is a powerful extension of that legacy."
"Through this partnership, UNSW is leveraging its world-leading research expertise and capabilities to deepen engagement with the Macarthur community, addressing urgent health challenges and delivering transformative, real-world outcomes."
