A new engagement report on the future use of the David Berry Hospital site has been released, outlining consultation undertaken with the Aboriginal community.
The engagement report, led by independent consultant Strategic Small Business Solutions, sharing the findings from the third phase of community consultation with the Aboriginal community in the Berry region.
The consultation involved Aboriginal community members, Elders and organisations with an interest in, or connection to, the site. It included one-on-one yarns, On-Country yarning circles, community events, focus groups and workshops, and digital feedback through online forms or surveys.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Chief Executive Margaret Martin said the District is committed to meaningful consultation with Aboriginal communities and ensuring their voices help inform planning and decision-making.
“We respect the community’s cultural connection to the David Berry Hospital site and acknowledge the historical trauma associated with it. We thank the Aboriginal community members, Elders and organisations for sharing their feedback which will help shape its future use,” Ms Martin said.
The report identified seven recommendations relating to acknowledgement and truth-telling, healing and cultural cleansing, Aboriginal-led governance, cultural heritage, and future co-design of the David Berry Hospital site.
These findings and recommendations will now be considered alongside the findings from other previous consultation phases to identify priority actions and inform the future use of the David Berry Hospital site. The community will continue to be kept informed as planning progresses.
This consultation builds on the 2024 Have Your Say survey, which saw almost 1,200 people share their views on the future of health and wellness services at the hospital site, and the second phase of community consultation, which was undertaken in 2025 and recommended formal Aboriginal-led engagement with the Aboriginal community in the next phase of the consultation.
As part of the $440 million Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital redevelopment, palliative care and rehabilitation services currently provided at David Berry Hospital will relocate to Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital in 2027. The move will provide expanded services alongside related health care, with access to 24/7 medical support.
The Future of David Berry Hospital Site: Engagement Report 2026 is now available on the website here: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/david-berry-hospital
