New housing for Grafton’s healthcare workers has moved a step closer, with a building contractor now appointed to deliver 36 new units directly opposite Grafton Base Hospital.
Local builder Bennett Constructions (NSW) Pty Ltd has been contracted following a competitive tender process run by Northern NSW Local Health District.
The Grafton accommodation is part of a $34.2 million investment in Northern NSW, with projects also underway at Lismore and Tweed. The Northern NSW projects sit within the Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program, which is delivering 20 projects across rural, regional and remote NSW to help attract and retain essential healthcare workers.
The Grafton project will refurbish existing buildings at the former minimum-security wing of the old Grafton Gaol site, creating 36 modern, self-contained one-bedroom units for healthcare staff, along with new onsite car parking. The units will sit alongside two newly refurbished administration blocks that recently opened at the old gaol site.
Together, the projects will free up existing accommodation and administrative space on the hospital campus for new and expanded clinical facilities, as part of the $283.8 million Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment.
Refurbishment on Stage 1 of the Grafton accommodation will begin in the coming weeks and is expected to finish by mid-2027. The site also has capacity for a second block to be refurbished in future, adding a further 36 units.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the project was part of a broader push to strengthen the health workforce in regional communities.
“We are strengthening the health workforce in regional, rural and remote communities through several initiatives, including the $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program,” Mr Park said.
“Key Health Worker Accommodation such as this project in Grafton helps to attract people to work in our more remote regions of NSW.”
“By providing modern, comfortable accommodation directly across the road from Grafton Base Hospital we will be better able to attract and retain vital healthcare workers in the region.”
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said secure housing was central to keeping skilled staff in the region.
“Attracting and keeping skilled healthcare professionals on the North Coast relies on having safe, reliable, and accessible housing,” Ms Saffin said.
“Transforming the former Grafton Gaol site into 36 self-contained units gives our doctors, nurses, and allied health staff a great place to live right on the hospital’s doorstep.”
“It’s fantastic to see local builders Bennett Constructions leading this project, delivering both essential housing for our health workforce and an economic boost for the local community.”
Labor spokesperson for Clarence Emily Suvaal said the accommodation would help hospitals keep the workforce they need.
“To ensure our hospitals continue to provide the health care our community expects, we need the workforce to deliver those services,” Ms Suvaal said.
“Access to quality, comfortable housing is a vital consideration for key health workers including doctors, nurses and allied health professionals when choosing to work in regional communities.”
“This investment in new accommodation across the road from Grafton Base Hospital will provide convenient and accessible housing for health workers and is a commonsense reuse of the facilities at the old Grafton Gaol site.”
Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Tracey Maisey said the contract award was an important step forward.
“We’re excited to award this significant contract to Bennett Constructions to provide modern, comfortable new self-contained units for key healthcare workers in Grafton,” Ms Maisey said.
“Bennett Constructions is a longstanding Northern NSW company committed to employing local workers and sub-contractors wherever possible.”
“This is an important step in the overall redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital and will have a significant, positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the Grafton community for years to come while freeing up housing in the town for other uses.”
Bennett Constructions General Manager Tim Cohen said the company was proud to take on the project.
“Bennett Constructions is honoured to partner with Northern NSW Local Health District to deliver the Grafton Key Health Worker Accommodation project,” Mr Cohen said.
“The delivery of 36 refurbished self-contained accommodation units will provide high-quality housing for healthcare workers who play such an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of the Grafton and broader Northern NSW community.”
He said the project would also support the local economy.
“As a long-standing Northern NSW company, we are proud to support local employment and engage local subcontractors and suppliers wherever possible throughout the delivery of this project.”
“Projects like this help build local capability, strengthen regional economies, and create lasting benefits for local communities.”
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