The Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) is pleased to announce a generous $400,000 commitment from the Glendonbrook Foundation to support the upcoming renovation of the Clive Bishop Medical Centre (CBMC) in Broken Hill.
The CBMC, opened in 2014, was originally made possible through a partnership between Lord Glendonbrook (Sir Michael Bishop), and the NSW Government. Named in honour of Sir Michael’s late father, Clive Bishop, the CBMC stands as a tribute to a man who valued community, care, and connection.
In its first 12 months of operation, the CBMC saw more than 2,800 patients, and has grown to deliver almost 22,000 occasions of care each year (including more than 4,000 via telehealth). About 75 per cent of patients are from the Broken Hill area, with around a quarter of patients seen through RFDSSE outreach clinics across remote communities in the Far West.
For more than a decade, the CBMC has delivered on that legacy, serving as a trusted and familiar place for GP services, chronic disease care, mental health support, specialist referrals and, increasingly, telehealth consultations for people across Far West NSW.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Glendonbrook Foundation for this renewed support, which reflects a meaningful and longstanding commitment to the wellbeing of regional and remote communities. This gift will play a vital role in ensuring the CBMC remains accessible, modern and equipped to meet the changing needs of local families,” Greg Sam, CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) said.
The renovation will focus on upgrading the reception, administration and telehealth facilities, recognising the growing demand for virtual care across the Far West.
These improvements will deliver:
- Improved accessibility
- Enhanced privacy and security
- Expanded telehealth capacity, including dedicated spaces designed to give patients confidential access to RFDS clinicians and visiting specialists
- More efficient workflows to help reduce waiting times
- Upgraded technology and data systems
- A comfortable, modern environment for all patients and visitors
Renovation planning is underway, with construction expected to begin in April 2026 and finish by December 2026, pending approvals.
With the Glendonbrook Foundation’s leadership gift representing 50% of the required budget for this project, RFDS SE is now seeking a matching philanthropic partner to complete the remaining funding required for the full project.
