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Healing Ceremony at the old Grafton Gaol
Published: 03 Jun 2026

Media release issued by NSW Health Infrastructure

A Healing Ceremony has been held at the old Grafton Gaol as the site prepares for a new life, supporting the Grafton Base Hospital and Northern NSW Local Health District.  

The Healing Ceremony was an opportunity to recognise the history of the site and support healing as the site transforms into a new health Precinct offering administration and training spaces and accommodation.

Around 90 people attended the event, which was held during National Reconciliation Week, and involved Aboriginal Elders, community members, school students and representatives from the local health district, Justice organisations, and the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment team.

The ceremony included a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, local speakers and a dance performance by Grafton High School students, with several participating in the Stars Foundation mentoring program which supports young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

The Healing Ceremony reflects Health Infrastructure’s commitment to its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, ensuring Aboriginal knowledge, perspectives and practices are embedded into the planning, design and delivery of health infrastructure across NSW.

The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment has established a Connecting with Country working group, including stakeholders from the hospital and representatives from the three local Nations: Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl, to help shape elements of the redevelopment and create a culturally safe and inclusive health facility.

Once completed, the redevelopment will include a welcoming First Nations Garden recognising the local Nations, culturally significant totems, and a pedestrian walkway inspired by the Clarence River.

Early works for the NSW Government’s $263.8 million redevelopment are nearing completion, with the refurbishment of two former administration buildings within the old Grafton Gaol now in the final stages.

Known as the “Administration and Workforce Development Precinct,” the two refurbished buildings will support staff from the Grafton Base Hospital and Northern NSW Local Health District to undertake their training and development, as well provide office spaces.  

To symbolise the three local Nations, three trees have been planted at the entrance to the Precinct, a weeping bottlebrush, native frangipani and a lilly pilly.

The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment will also deliver a new multi-storey acute services building to meet the region’s growing healthcare needs.  

In addition, a separate section of the old Grafton Gaol will be refurbished to deliver new health worker accommodation as part of the NSW Government’s Key Worker Accommodation program.

This will create 36 modern, self-contained one-bedroom units for healthcare staff, as well as new onsite car parking spaces. There is also capacity for refurbishment of a second block which will add an additional 36 units in the future.  

The new units will be adjacent to the Precinct, and both projects will pave the way for the existing accommodation and administrative services on the existing hospital campus to be relocated and demolished. This will make space for the construction of a new multi-storey acute services building to meet the region’s growing healthcare needs.  

For more information, visit the project website: nsw.gov.au/grafton-base-hospital-redevelopment

In 2025, Health Infrastructure launched its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking the second phase of the organisation’s reconciliation journey. Find out more: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/health-infrastructure/about-health-infrastructure/our-commitment-to-reconciliation

Quotes attributable to Amanda Bock, Executive Director North Region, Health Infrastructure:

“The Healing Ceremony is an important step in recognising the history of the old gaol site, taking the time to reflect and move into the future together as we deliver the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment.

“This approach reflects the importance of listening to and learning from Aboriginal stakeholders, Elders and community members. This engagement will continue to inform the delivery of safe, inclusive and culturally responsive health facilities for our region.

“Thank you to the Connecting with Country working group members, and everyone who attended the Healing Ceremony, for your time, knowledge and support, which is helping to ensure the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment project delivers lasting cultural and social benefits for the community.”

Quotes attributable to Tracey Maisey, Chief Executive, Northern NSW Local Health District:

“National Reconciliation Week is a time to recognise the importance of working together with Aboriginal communities, as we continue to listen, learn and deliver projects that reflect local culture and support healing, as part of our commitment to closing the equity gap for Aboriginal people.

“We are looking forward to moving into these wonderful new spaces at the Precinct soon and starting a new era for this facility.

“The new Precinct will provide modern and purpose-built office, training and education facilities to support our hardworking staff in Grafton and right across our District.”

PHOTO:  Healing Ceremony at the old Grafton Gaol. Some sections of the former correctional facility are being refurbished as part of the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment.