Sod turned for Barwon Women’s and Children’s

THE first sod has been turned on the new $500 million Barwon Women’s and Children’s hospital in Geelong.

Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne and Geelong MP Christine Couzens visited the site on Wednesday this week to mark the occasion.

The build will expand women’s and children’s health services in Geelong, including maternity and paediatric care.

It will feature a new neonatal and parent care unit, an expanded special cure nursery, extra hospital beds, birthing suites, operating theatres and clinic rooms.

Construction is expected to be complete in 2029.

“This is another big step for the new Barwon Women’s and Children’s—creating local jobs and ensuring families in Geelong get the top-quality maternity and paediatric care they need, close to home,” Ms Horne said.

The $500 million build will create 1,500 jobs, with 450 construction workers set to be onsite during peak time.

“This is a huge milestone for the new Barwon Women’s and Children’s – providing more local jobs and ensuring families in Geelong have access to high-quality women’s health, maternity and paediatric care in Geelong,” Ms

Couzens said.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant agreed.

“The new Barwon Women’s and Children’s is a vital investment in the region’s future, and we’re ensuring the local community has a say in what matters most to them,” she said.