New staff accommodation strengthens Grampians Health’s regional workforce
Grampians Health, in partnership with Elmstone Property Group, is welcoming the completion of the first two stages of a new $8.3 million staff accommodation complex in Horsham.
The accommodation complex is expected to help attract highly qualified professionals and support the growth of a strong, sustainable local healthcare workforce, while continuing to deliver high-quality care to the community. The project is being backed by NAB.
Eighteen of the 36 serviced apartments have now been completed, with the remaining apartments due for completion in the coming months.
The contemporary, secure apartments feature self-contained living spaces with private bathrooms and kitchenettes. The development reflects a shared commitment to strengthening regional healthcare through thoughtful design and collaboration. Four apartments have been purpose-built with accessible design features to support staff and families with additional needs.
Grampians Health CEO Dale Fraser said access to accommodation had long been a significant barrier to workforce recruitment in the region.
“Being able to offer high-quality, modern accommodation removes a major obstacle and puts Horsham in a much stronger position to welcome new staff, while ensuring we can continue providing care to our community, regardless of the challenges we face,” Mr Fraser said.
Mr Fraser also highlighted the successful partnership with Elmstone Property Group which has helped Grampians Health to deliver accommodation that is safe, comfortable and accessible for staff.
“This project also shows what’s possible when regional organisations work together to solve local challenges. By partnering with Elmstone Property Group, we’ve been able to combine our understanding of healthcare workforce needs with their development expertise to deliver a practical, high-quality solution.
“This investment provides modern spaces that support our workforce to live, train and work locally.”
A shortage of suitable accommodation remains one of the biggest barriers to attracting healthcare professionals to regional areas. Through partnerships like this, Grampians Health is taking practical steps to address this challenge and build a sustainable local workforce.
Elmstone Property Group Director Stuart Benjamin said the project demonstrates what can be achieved through strong collaboration.
“We’re proud to work alongside Grampians Health to help deliver accommodation that supports the attraction and retention of essential healthcare staff,” Mr Benjamin said.
“Our aim was to create exceptional accommodation that would attract and welcome new healthcare professionals - people who will care for, and we hope become permanent members of our community.”
Grampians Health Horsham Head of Unit, General Medicine Chris Ebersohn said the new accommodation would play an important role in attracting and retaining high-calibre clinicians to the region.
“To deliver excellent care in a regional setting, we need to be able to attract the best and brightest clinicians, and access to high-quality accommodation is a key part of that,” Dr Ebersohn said.
“When clinicians are considering a move, they’re not just looking at the role itself — they’re looking at the whole experience of relocating, including how quickly they can settle in and feel supported. Providing modern, secure and well-designed accommodation sends a strong signal that we value our workforce and are committed to their wellbeing from day one.”
The first staff have already moved in and are benefiting from the purpose-built facilities.
Tessa Van Veenendaal, an intern at Grampians Health who recently relocated to Horsham, said the accommodation had made the transition significantly easier.
“Moving to a new town can be daunting but having secure, fully equipped accommodation ready from the start has taken a huge weight off my shoulders,” she said.
“It’s allowed me to focus on my work and settle in quickly, without the stress of finding housing. The apartments are modern, comfortable and close to everything I need. It’s also been great meeting other staff who are new to the area — it really helps you feel part of a community straight away.”
By supporting healthcare staff to integrate into the local community, the development is helping to lay the foundation for long-term workforce sustainability in Horsham.
Grampians Health Horsham Site Director Maree Markby said the accommodation would play a critical role in building workforce capability for the future.
“This investment is about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about people. By working with partners like Elmstone, we are creating the right environment for our staff to thrive and ensuring we can continue delivering high-quality care to our community,” Ms Markby said.
