New $7.9m clinic to boost Indigenous healthcare in Perth suburb
Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service has opened a new $7.9 million clinic in the eastern Perth suburb of Midland to expand culturally safe care for Aboriginal people as population growth and rising demand increase pressure on services.
The purpose-built clinic is funded through the Federal Government’s Closing the Gap Plan with support from the Minderoo Foundation.
The facility will aim to deliver a major uplift in capacity to address chronic disease, mental health and preventive care.
The new Derbarl Yerrigan Health Clinic in Midland.
Key Points
- $7.9M Midland clinic opened by Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service
- Funded through Federal Government’s Closing the Gap Plan, Minderoo support
- Facility doubles size from five to 10 consulting rooms with new treatment areas
- Existing clinic saw around 50 patients daily, turned away average of 10
- City of Swan Aboriginal population near 4,900, triple metropolitan proportion
- Services span GP, chronic disease, preventive checks, immunizations, pathology
Demand pressures in Perth’s east
The expansion comes amid rapid local growth. The Indigenous population in the City of Swan is now estimated at almost 4,900 people—more than three times the metropolitan average proportion. The existing clinic has struggled to keep pace, currently seeing around 50 patients a day and providing close to 12,000 episodes of care annually.
Derbarl Yerrigan has said that capacity limits have forced the service to turn away an average of 10 patients daily due to space constraints. The organisation expects the new Midland site to significantly reduce unmet demand and allow more Aboriginal families to access services closer to home, without travelling into the city.
Leadership perspective
Derbarl Yerrigan Chairperson Nathan Riley described the new clinic as a critical investment in closing the gap in health outcomes.
“We are seeing increasing demand for services, particularly around chronic disease and social and emotional wellbeing, and our existing clinic has simply not been able to keep up,” Mr Riley said.
Patient Raylene James and Colleen Hartwig.
“This new Midland clinic is about breaking down the barriers to accessing care and providing accessible, culturally secure, wrap-around care that supports people at every stage of life.”
“Our model of care is grounded in culture, connecton and community.”
— Nathan Riley
Services and model of care
The clinic is designed as a full-circle health hub, bringing primary care, specialist services and social and emotional wellbeing support under one roof. According to Derbarl Yerrigan, services include:
- GP care and chronic disease management
- Preventive health checks and immunizations
- Pathology, podiatry and eye health
- Visiting specialists
Derbarl Yerrigan says there are plans to expand into dental services. The clinic aims to reduce pressure on tertiary services by focusing on prevention and early intervention, supporting better long-term health outcomes and reducing avoidable hospital admissions.
Mr Riley said culturally safe care was central to improving engagement and health outcomes.
“We know that when people feel safe, respected and understood, they are more likely to access care earlier and more often,” he said.
“Our model of care is grounded in culture, connection and community. That’s what drives better health outcomes.”
Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Chairperson Nathan Riley at the new Midland clinic.
The clinic’s design was shaped through a cultural immersion process, with workshops involving community members, Elders and staff to ensure the space reflects local culture and identity.
Features include natural materials, Noongar language signage, a yarning circle within the reception area and family-friendly spaces designed to create a welcoming, non-clinical environment.
Located in Midland (Mandjanup), the clinic sits within an area of deep cultural significance for Noongar people, recognised as a longstanding place of gathering, connection and community.
Pa)ent Rodney Cox and the Dr is Dr Vinisha Rajadurai.
Derbarl Yerrigan says the new facility will strengthen that role by offering both health care and a trusted place for the community to come together and feel safe.
Organisational role
Derbarl Yerrigan is one of the leading providers of Aboriginal health care in metropolitan WA, delivering culturally secure services that support the physical, social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of Aboriginal people. The organisation expects the Midland clinic to significantly increase capacity, reduce unmet demand and allow more families to access care locally.
