Mid North Coast residents are being invited to help guide the arts and cultural program for the Port Macquarie Base Hospital Upgrade, with expressions of interest now open for membership of the project’s Arts Working Group.
The $265 million upgrade will deliver a modern health facility designed to improve access to high-quality healthcare services for the growing region. Arts and cultural initiatives will form part of the new four-storey inpatient unit and expanded emergency department, helping create welcoming spaces that reflect the identity, culture and diversity of the Port Macquarie community and surrounding areas.
Health Infrastructure Executive Director North Region Amanda Bock said arts played an important role in healthcare environments.
“We know art plays a vital role in creating environments that support wellbeing and recovery. By incorporating local creativity into the new and upgraded spaces, we are creating a facility that reflects and celebrates the community it serves,” Bock said.
As part of NSW Health’s Arts in Health Program, the initiatives are designed to support wellbeing and recovery while creating positive environments for patients, visitors and staff. The Arts Working Group will help guide the planning and delivery of the arts program, ensuring the project’s creative elements reflect local stories, culture and heritage.
Community members with an interest in arts and culture are encouraged to submit an expression of interest by 5pm on Sunday, June 21, 2026, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members particularly encouraged to apply.
Bock encouraged community members to take part in the process.
“I encourage community members with an interest in arts and culture to get involved and contribute to the future of Port Macquarie Base Hospital,” she said.
Mid North Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Jill Wong said integrating arts into healthcare settings would benefit patients, carers and staff.
“Integrating arts into our hospital spaces will help create a welcoming and culturally safe environment for patients, carers and staff,” Wong said.
“This is a unique opportunity for local creative voices to contribute to a project that will benefit the community for many years to come.”
The first Arts Working Group meeting is expected to be held in July, with further meetings scheduled throughout the year to inform planning for the project.
Applications can be lodged through the Port Macquarie Base Hospital Upgrade Arts Working Group Expression of Interest form.
For more information, contact the project team at HI-PortMacquarieInfraUpgrade@health.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 8838 8889.
Planning for the Port Macquarie Base Hospital Upgrade is continuing, with broader community consultation scheduled for later this year. Further information is available at nsw.gov.au/port-macquarie-base-hospital-upgrade.
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