A new report has been released, providing an update on extensive community and staff engagement on the future use of David Berry Hospital site, and detailing the valuable feedback received so far.
The Minns Labor Government reaffirms its commitment to ensure that David Berry Hospital will remain in public hands, and that Berry and surrounding communities will continue to benefit from a future guaranteed health presence on the site.
The new report confirms formal engagement activity will be undertaken in 2026 with the local Aboriginal community on the future use of the David Berry Hospital site.
The upcoming formal engagement follows the second phase of community consultation, which involved independent consultants, RPS, liaising directly with more than 130 community members and staff through focus groups and pop-up events.
The second consultation phase report is now available on the website here .
This community consultation builds on the 2024 Have Your Say survey which saw nearly 1,200 people share their views on the future of health and wellness services at the hospital site, with 87 per cent of respondents indicating a preference for healthcare to remain the focus of the site.
As per the key recommended next steps in the report, the formal Aboriginal-led engagement activities with the Aboriginal community will commence shortly. The engagement report is expected to be finalised by mid-2026.
The NSW Government remains committed to working with health stakeholders and the community to explore various health-related options for the site.
Quotes Attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"David Berry Hospital has been part of the community for more than a century and, although no longer suitable for its original purpose, it's important that the continued future use of the site aligns with the values and needs of all members of the local community.
"At the same time, we recognise the negative impact the site has had on local Aboriginal communities, through systemic racism, historical colonial policies and the impact on local Elders related to the Stolen Generations and their families.
"We are dedicated to meaningful engagement with our First Nations communities. Their valuable feedback, along with that of the wider community will be taken into consideration as we work to determine the future use of the site.
"Through this ongoing consultation and engagement, we're ensuring the site will remain a meaningful presence for the health of the region."
Quotes attributable to Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney:
"I was so pleased to have worked closely with Minister Park and NSW Health over the past 2.5 years to advocate for community consultation and community-led decisions regarding the future of the David Berry Hospital.
"I welcome the progress made on working closely with our local Aboriginal community to shape the future uses at the site."
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