The health and wellbeing of ADF personnel has received a significant boost with the completion of a new medical clinic and a major refurbishment of another on the south coast of NSW. 

The new clinic at HMAS Creswell in Jervis Bay was officially opened by Commander Joint Health and Surgeon General of the ADF Rear Admiral Sonya Bennett on February 4. She was accompanied by Commodore Kate Tindall, Director General Garrison Health and Director General Navy Health. 

Creswell is the Royal Australian Navy’s primary establishment for initial entry officer training, leadership training, and support of military exercises and training activities in the Jervis Bay area. 

Rear Admiral Bennett spoke with clinic staff at the centre and was impressed with the new facilities, which will support ADF personnel and operational effectiveness.

“These improvements to the Defence Health System facilities reflect our strong commitment to the ongoing health and wellbeing of our people, and to ensure the ADF is fit and ready to serve,” Rear Admiral Bennett said. 

“Military training environments can be physically demanding. Having the best equipment and the best medical teams looking after our people gives them access to better preventative care and improved response to injuries. 

“Operational readiness, particularly in the current global strategic environment, depends on the health of our people and the technology and facilities health staff work in. 

“Our ADF health team will be working in a world-class, purpose-built health facility designed to meet the expanding health requirements of ADF personnel. This is part of an enduring program of continually improving health services for our people and the facilities our medical personnel work in.”  

Construction began on the new Creswell clinic in January 2024 and was completed in October 2025 at a cost of $12 million. The facility now has the capability to support 500 ADF personnel, up from 300 previously.

The refurbished Albatross Health Centre will support 1600 ADF personnel and was completed in July 2025 following an 18-month construction period at a cost of $7 million. 

During the initial consultation period, it was found that the project scope could not be supported within a single wing of the existing facility. As a result, both wings were incorporated into the final design to maximise available space and improve delivery efficiency. 

The centre also has improved allied health services, including a new physiotherapy centre that will support Navy and Air Force personnel with upgraded rehabilitation facilities. 

The upgrades to ADF medical facilities are a part of broader project of work, which includes a new contract for pathology services and the replacement and upgrade of the electronic health record system used within Defence.