Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment – Newsletter #2 | December 2025

To see more artist impressions, visit the Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment project page.

Local primary school students have put their creative minds to work, exploring what a hospital of the future might look like. From special inventions and new machines, the artworks capture care, innovation and community – values at the heart of our redevelopment.

These are just some of the artworks that will brighten up hoarding inside the hospital’s main reception area from early 2026.

If you need urgent healthcare now, but it’s not life-threatening, get free help faster with Victoria’s Urgent Care Services.

• Nurse-on-Call: For when you need want to speak to a nurse over the phone or are unsure what kind of medical help you need. Free, 24/7. Call 1300 60 60 24.
• Virtual Emergency Care: For when you want to be seen by an emergency doctor or nurse. Video call from home or anywhere using a computer, tablet or mobile phone. Delivered by the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department. Free, 24/7 video call.
• Ballarat Medical Urgent Care Clinic: For when you need to be seen by an urgent care doctor or nurse in person. Located at Level 1, 1010 Sturt Street, Ballarat. Free, walk-in service. Open 7 days, early to late.

You do not need an appointment, Medicare card or GP referral to use these services, and there’s no waiting in a hospital emergency department.

To find out more, visit the Urgent Care Services Victoria website.

Meet the locals helping shape Ballarat’s future

Ned Loft , Apprentice Plumber, Cooke & Dowsett

Where are you from?
I’ve lived in Ballan for almost two decades.

Tell us about your role on-site?
I assist with installations, repairs, and maintenance of plumbing systems, under the supervision of qualified plumbers.

What do you enjoy about working on the Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment?
Learning new skills, working with the Cooke & Dowsett team. Being a local and able say, ‘I was a part of the largest build in Ballarat.’

What’s your favourite thing about Ballarat or the Grampians region?  
I play local footy for Buninyong, Central Islands Football League. It’s a great community atmosphere.

Bryce Forrester, Services Engineer, Grampians Health

Where are you from?
I’m Ballarat born and raised.

Tell us about your role on-site?
I plan and coordinate the hundreds of service cutovers like electrical systems, hot water and medical gases. All critical to ensuring safe hospital operations during construction.

What do you enjoy about working on the Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment?
It’s a privilege to work on a project so close to home that will improve access to care for local families, including my own. I’m very proud.

What is a local spot that you would recommend to others?
I love spending a summer day at Kirks Reservoir with loved ones and a spread from Carboni’s Deli.

Learn more about the Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment via our dedicated project page.