2000 students filter into $30.8 million health teaching and training facility

More than 2000 students from 10 health disciplines are set to filter into Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) newly-completed $30.8 million Centre for Better Health Futures (CBHF) throughout 2026.

With the recent inclusion of the CDU Menzies Medical Program, the building’s opening means CDU is equipped to train almost every type of health practitioner needed in the Territory.  

Built by SHAPE Australia, the building brings together modern teaching facilities, clinical simulations, and advanced research infrastructure under one roof.

It also houses a simulated emergency department and 10-bed hospital ward for the Territory’s future paramedics, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, nurses, pharmacists, doctors, social workers, audiologists, and midwives to practice in.

Preclinical and clinical simulation environments will also be equipped with virtual reality and mobile technologies that can be used by students at CDU campuses across the Territory - including Nhulunbuy, Katherine and Alice Springs.  

The $30.8 million investment includes $15 million from the Australian Government, with CDU contributing $15.8 million.

CDU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman said welcoming the building’s first students would mark an exciting milestone for the University.

“The Centre for Better Health Futures will be instrumental in equipping our future workforce with the skills needed to tackle the Northern Territory’s unique challenges,” he said.

“This building stands as the latest jewel in the University’s crown, reflecting our long-term commitment to community strength and keeping local people employed locally.”

CDU Pro Vice-Chancellor Faculty of Health Professor Dominic Upton said he was proud to see the University’s continued investment in the health sector come to fruition through the CBHF.

“Health care is a critical service, and this purpose-built facility will ensure our future workforce gains the practical, hands-on experience needed to deliver the highest standard of care to Territorians,” he said.

“Students will train in real-world clinical environments and work with real clients throughout their studies, placing them in a strong position to transition confidently into the workforce.

“Enabling future practitioners to learn alongside one another in an interprofessional setting will foster a collaborative approach that strengthens the Territory’s entire health system.”

SHAPE Australia’s General Manager – Northern Territory, Nicholas Mills, said the CBHF building was a landmark project for the Northern Territory.  

“We are proud to have partnered with CDU to deliver this state-of-the-art facility, which will support learning, research and improved healthcare outcomes in the Territory for decades to come,” he said.  

“Watching the first medical students walk through the doors is huge milestone for us, and for the more than 500 local construction workers, apprentices and trainees who helped build this world-class Centre.”

Federal Member for Solomon and Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs and Northern Australia Luke Gosling OAM MP said the Centre reflects the Albanese Government’s commitment to building the Northern Territory’s future.

“The Australian Government recognises the critical role regional universities like CDU play in building the Territory’s future workforce, and that’s why we’ve backed this investment in health infrastructure and education,” he said.

“The Northern Territory faces unique health challenges, and the Commonwealth is focused on improving access, participation and success in higher education so more Territorians - particularly First Nations students and those in regional and remote areas - can train and build careers here at home."