Warrnambool Base Hospital Redevelopment Newsletter #1 | September 2026

These newsletters will keep you updated on the construction of the $396.1 million Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment and introduce you to some of the people working behind the scenes.

Major construction is now underway on the redevelopment, which will deliver a new multi-storey clinical services building that will include a bigger emergency department, more operating theatres, a 32-bed inpatient unit, modern dialysis facilities and a medical imaging zone.

With more families choosing to make Warrnambool home, a dedicated 10-bed paediatric unit will provide specialised care to children and young people.

The redevelopment is one of the biggest infrastructure project in the region’s history and will transform services at the hospital, giving Victoria’s south-west community access to world-class healthcare facilities, close to home. Major construction is expected to be completed in 2028.

Major construction underway

Major construction is now well underway following extensive enabling, earth and demolition works. With more than 300 piles installed, the foundations are now complete and the ground and first floor of the new clinical services building are beginning to emerge from the site.

We’ve already delivered a new off-site Regional Logistics Distribution Centre (RLDC), purpose-built to provide commercial linen services and a modern healthcare supply and logistics warehouse, which has freed up space at the hospital for construction.

Building progress

• Tower cranes are now working hard to help build the new clinical services building.
• Pouring concrete has been the focus on site. The ground and first floor are now complete.

Coming up

• Concrete pours for the upper floors will continue.
• A linkway will be installed, connecting the new building to the existing hospital.
• Work will start on the structure of the logistics building.

Designs revealed for your bigger, better hospital  

New designs for the bigger, better Warrnambool Base Hospital have been unveiled, revealing a modern, welcoming hospital environment for locals in south-west Victoria.

The outside of the hospital draws inspiration from the local limestone landscape, while letting in more natural light for patients, staff, and visitors. 

To see more artist impressions, visit the Warrnambool Base Hospital: major construction and new designs page. 

Meet the names behind the cranes 

Two cranes soaring above the Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment site have been named after local legends, celebrating their decades of contribution to their local health service.  The project’s two tower cranes are believed to be a first for the Warrnambool CBD, marking a significant milestone in the city's construction history.

Following a campaign led by South West Healthcare, the two cranes have been officially named ‘Carmel & Julieta’ and ‘Neville’. Recognising three passionate individuals who have made an impact to South West Healthcare and the Warrnambool community.    

You can see their names on the tower cranes high in the Warrnambool skyline. 

‘Neville’

Neville is known for his positive attitude and generous nature. Nev is a passionate local member of the South West Healthcare volunteer group. For over a decade now, he’s dedicated his time to helping maintain the hospital’s fleet cars and delivering much needed medical supplies to community members.

‘Carmel and Julieta’

Carmel and Julieta have dedicated decades to supporting South West Healthcare and its people. Joining the Linen Services team, they developed a long-standing working partnership grounded in values and respect.

The transition to the new Regional Logistics Distribution Centre saw Carmel, Julieta, and their colleagues relocate off-site. The tower cranes mark the very ground where Carmel and Julieta dedicated more than seven decades of combined service.

With major construction underway, the cranes mark the next steps in building the new multi-storey clinical services building. The cranes will help lift around 10,000 tonnes of materials into place for the almost $400 million project.

Meet Matt Smith, Project Manager at Hansen Yuncken (HY)

Where are you from?  

I am proudly born and bred in Warrnambool.

What does your job involve?

As a Project Manager, I am across all facets of the project including design, budget, procurement, programming, construction, safety, quality, and handover. My role requires ongoing problem solving and open communication with all stakeholders including the client, consultants, the HY team, and our subcontractors.

What do you enjoy about working on the project?

Once delivered, the redevelopment is probably the largest project in Warrnambool and being a hospital, it is one of the most complex. It’s particularly challenging delivering new works while the hospital remains operational. I enjoy working through these challenges with our team and getting out of my comfort zone to help deliver this much needed hospital for the wider community.

My old man, who everyone knows as ‘Muzza’, also worked at the hospital for 37 years, so it's special to be able to contribute to a place that I have visited frequently and seen evolve over the years.

What’s your favourite thing about Warrnambool?

It is big enough to have everything you need and yet it is still small enough to maintain its sense of community. It has terrific beaches, walking trails, the river, excellent food, and a fantastic golf course.

What is a local spot that you would recommend? 

Anything along the foreshore. There is always something to see and do, from the Beach Kiosk Cafe, Lake Pertobe with its massive playground and open space area, the Fresh Food Market, the "Promenade" walking trail from the breakwater to the river mouth, and the Lawn Bar (especially in summer).

Thanks for dropping-in  

Thank you to all the local faces that dropped by at our recent information session! Community members got to hear directly from the team delivering the redevelopment. They were able to ask questions about the project, learn about the benefits, what's happening on site and the designs of the future hospital.