Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building opens in Macarthur

NSW Premier Chris Minns has officially opened the Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building - Macarthur, unveiling a commemorative plaque honouring the project's benefactor and namesake before joining a tour of the state-of-the-art facility.

“I am proud to stand next to our partners to officially open the new Lang Walker medical research facility today,” Premier Chris Minns said.

Situated on the grounds of Campbelltown Hospital, the purpose-built multi-storey research facility will bring together local and international researchers, clinicians, and post-graduate students to address complex health issues in the community such as Indigenous health, diabetes, child health and wellbeing, mental health, and addiction medicine.

The locally based clinical expertise will improve community access to clinical research, enhance local health care and lead research of national significance and global impact.

“This cutting-edge facility is an incredible tribute to Walker’s late founder, Lang Walker AO, whose enduring legacy reflects his generosity and dedication to driving generational change through transformative placemaking, health, education and cultural projects,” Walker Managing Director and CEO David Gallant said.

“Lang knew this centre would help hundreds of thousands of people with world class research and clinical care, and he’d be incredibly proud to see his namesake, the Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building opening its doors to local families across South Western Sydney.’’

Home to the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research in Macarthur, the facility complements the NSW Government’s $632 million Stage 2 Redevelopment of Campbelltown Hospital, completed in 2024, and the broader Campbelltown Health and Education Precinct.

“The Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building - Macarthur will attract specialist researchers and clinicians to Campbelltown Hospital and provide opportunities for local patients and communities to take part in clinical research,’’ South Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Sonia Marshall said.

“There has never been a more exciting time to join the Campbelltown hospital as we work with our partners to build the future of healthcare in south western Sydney.’’

The facility has been developed in partnership with Western Sydney University, South Western Sydney Local Health District and the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research and UNSW Sydney, with the financial, development and delivery support of Walker Corporation.

“The Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building – Macarthur stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when community, research, and innovation come together. Grounded in the needs of our region, this world-class facility is a home for research that will transform health outcomes locally and beyond,’’ Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO said.

“By listening to our community and turning research into action, we have created a place where innovative solutions will improve lives and shape the future of south western Sydney.”

”Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research was founded to improve the health of the people of south western Sydney and we are thrilled to be expanding into the Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building - Macarthur,” Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research CEO Simone Proft said.

“This incredible new facility will enable us to connect with the communities served by Campbelltown Hospital, providing significantly increased research capacity to address the health conditions which impact most greatly on their lives.’’

“UNSW has a proud and longstanding commitment to Greater Western Sydney, with decades of collaboration in health, education and research across the region. This facility is a powerful extension of that legacy,’’ UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said.

“Through this partnership, UNSW is leveraging its world-leading research expertise and capabilities to deepen engagement with the Macarthur community, addressing urgent health challenges and delivering transformative, real-world outcomes.’’