A new era of local healthcare has begun after the unveiling of Yarrawonga Health’s new $10.9 million surgical facility and main entrance.

Yarrawonga Health proudly marked the major milestone on Thursday, August 7, with the official opening ceremony of its brand-new Perioperative Suite and Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD).

The state-of-the-art facility is meticulously designed\ to provide the safest, highest-quality surgical care, ensuring peace of mind for local patients and their families.

As part of this redevelopment, a new main entrance and ambulance entrance have also been constructed, facilitating easier access for the general public and ambulance services transferring patients to the health service.

The ceremony was attended by key health leaders, local dignitaries, staff, community representatives, and supporters who have championed this transformative project from its earliest days.

Yarrawonga Health CEO Robin Haberecht said the redevelopment addresses a growing need in the community.

“Today marks a proud milestone for Yarrawonga Health and our community,” she said.

“This new facility not only enhances our capacity to deliver vital surgical services but also represents our commitment to providing quality care closer to home.

“The current operating theatre, soon to be decommissioned, is 60 years old.

“While it’s been maintained in great working order over all these years, it’s no longer fit for purpose.”

Yarrawonga Health’s surgical services have operated out of a small, ageing theatre that struggled to meet increasing demand with limited space and outdated CSSD facilities, which greatly restricted the volume of procedures that could be performed locally.

Ms Haberecht thanked her team at Yarrawonga Health for staying the journey in the old facility, along with all other visiting practitioners.

She also thanked the many organisations and community members from Yarrawonga Mulwala that have contributed to the project, enabling the purchase of new and much-needed equipment.

“We are incredibly grateful for your continued generosity, you have made this a reality for us,” she said.

Ms Haberecht thanked the building project team and those who have directly worked on the build.

The build had been completed over 18 months, and the project was executed with remarkable efficiency, ensuring no loss of services throughout the entire process.

“The fundraising we’ve undertaken, and new equipment purchase through the generosity of this community have meant the new installation of equipment could proceed, and the old could be used until the point of completion of the new theatre.

Yarrawonga Health Board Chair David Rokesky said the new facility represents a new era in local healthcare.

“It’s a significant step forward for healthcare in our region,” Mr Rokesky said.

“We’re proud to support a service that continues to invest in its people and its future.”

Mr Rokesky acknowledged the Victorian Government for their commitment to funding $10.9 million for the project and organisations that have contributed to the build.

“The new perioperative suite and CSSD boasts new specialised equipment, improved workflow design, and compliance with stringent healthcare standards, creating a safer and more efficient environment for patients and staff alike.

“It’s important to recognise that this achievement has been made possible through the combined efforts of many.”

Pigdon families’ strong 100-year connection

Former Board Director and Life Governor for Yarrawonga Health for 25 years, Bruce Pigdon OAM was honoured to officially cut the ribbon and mark the opening of the new facility on Thursday.

Bruce has been a long-standing and strong advocate for the health service in the broader community of Yarrawonga and Mulwala.

The Pigdon family has a long-standing connection with health services in the community, with Bruce's grandfather, being one of the financiers for the commencement of the original Yarrawonga Hospital on its current site is almost 100 years ago.

The original hospital was known as St. Anne's. Mr Pigdon said he was “deeply humbled and privileged” to have been asked to open this magnificent new edition to “our beautiful hospital”.

“I've had the opportunity to see through our new Perioperative Suite, and I'm sure that you will agree with me that this exceptional new facility will do much to enhance healthcare in our district,” Mr Pigdon said.

“During my many years on the hospital board, I've been involved in several other significant capital\ builds. So, I'm very aware of the increased workload and responsibility that staff at Yarrawonga Health have been faced with.”

Mr Pigdon also acknowledged the late John Wilson and the late John Richards, who, by their leadership and commitment, achieved so much during their lengthy time on the board.

“Yarrawonga Health would not be what it is today without the selfless work of such people and many others.”

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Wednesday, 12th November 2025

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