The Nhulunbuy community will soon have access to a new primary healthcare provider, with Top End Medical Centre selected to deliver ongoing general practice (GP) services in the community from 12 October 2026.
Top End Medical Centre Nhulunbuy will provide face-to-face GP services from the Nhulunbuy Community Health Centre, co-locating with NT Health’s Child and Maternal Health and Community Health services to support an integrated approach to healthcare delivery.
The Australian Government has provided $1.37 million to improve access to primary health care services in Nhulunbuy, including the establishment of this service. The funding will be used to make the facility fit for purpose and support the employment of clinical and non-clinical personnel. This reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to improving access to primary health care services in rural and regional communities, including Nhulunbuy.
Top End Medical Centre Nhulunbuy services will be progressively established over the initial months and are expected to include general practice, preventative health, chronic disease management, women’s, men’s and children’s health, mental health services, skin cancer services, telehealth, nursing services, immunisations, workers’ compensation and occupational health, including basic medical clearances and fitness-to-drive assessments.
Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NT PHN) undertook a formal process to identify potential new GP service providers for Nhulunbuy.
NT PHN Chief Executive Officer, Paul Connolly, said that through this process, Top End Medical Centre Nhulunbuy demonstrated a strong commitment to developing a sustainable service model.
“We know how important reliable access to primary healthcare is for the Nhulunbuy community and the wider East Arnhem region,” Mr Connolly said.
“Top End Medical Centre has a clear focus on establishing a long-term service, with an emphasis on workforce, accessibility and meeting the unique healthcare needs of Nhulunbuy and the wider East Arnhem region.
“We’re pleased to be working closely with Top End Medical Centre, NT Health and local stakeholders to support a smooth transition and establish a service that can provide accessible, comprehensive primary healthcare for the community into the future.”
Dr Aruna Liyanage, Director of Top End Medical Centre, said the organisation is pleased to be expanding services to Nhulunbuy and supporting the community with greater access to ongoing, high-quality primary healthcare.
“We are committed to building a sustainable healthcare service that responds to the needs of the Nhulunbuy community and the broader East Arnhem region,” Dr Liyanage said.
“We look forward to working closely with the local community, NT Health and NT PHN to establish a strong, accessible and lasting healthcare service in Nhulunbuy.”
Marion Scrymgour, Member for Lingiari, Special Envoy for Remote Communities said: “The economic and social transition in Nhulunbuy is so important to get right. It will involve all levels of government and all portfolio areas coming together to deliver a secure transition.
“Access to sustainable and long-term GP services is critical for the local community and local families, and many people have been speaking to me about their concerns on this.
“I want to thank the NT PHN for all their work, the thin-markets program is a very critical piece of work from the Commonwealth that works to fill-gaps in the primary healthcare system. This announcement speaks to our government’s broader commitment to Nhulunbuy and the East-Arnhem Region, there is more work to be done, but this is an important start.”
Top End Medical Centre Nhulunbuy will be located at the Nhulunbuy Community Health Centre, Endeavour Square, Chesterfield Circuit, Nhulunbuy.
The practice will provide further information about appointments, patient registration and continuity of care ahead of the service opening.
Top End Medical Centre Nhulunbuy is part of the Top End Medical Centre group, which currently operates 4 clinics across Greater Darwin.
Temporary arrangements remain in place to help the community access primary healthcare until the new service commences, including a range of local and remote care options.
To learn more, visit:
Media contact:
Jo Waide
Marketing and Communications Manager
E: johanna.waide@ntphn.org.au
