The $4.18 million project to transform the heritage listed Medical Superintendent’s House at Baillie Henderson Hospital into a museum has been completed, and now features medical and healthcare artefacts that tell the rich history of the Darling Downs Health Service.
The Australian Government committed nearly $1.17 million to the project, with the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation contributing nearly $1.17 million, and the Health Sustaining Capital Program providing almost $1.85 million.
The Museum of Health project is vital to preserving history of the Darling Downs region, and when fully complete, is estimated to attract 8,000 people annually and will serve as a hub for healthcare history, education, and community engagement.
The museum’s collection is also arranged to tell the history of mental health developments at Baillie Henderson Hospital and aims to de-stigmatise the public’s understanding of those who suffer from a mental illness.
Construction works included repairing damage to the heritage listed structure as well as building a new courtyard, amphitheatre and car park.
Later stages of work will include the construction of a café, gift shop and open plan office space for the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation.
Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:
“Informing the hundreds of museum visitors each year of the selfless service these frontline healthcare workers undertook will be a fitting tribute to their generous character, and the care they gave to this region’s most vulnerable.
“The Museum of Health will offer locals and tourists a great opportunity to discover and learn more about the intricate medical history of the Baillie Henderson Hospital and Darling Downs region, while also providing a place to preserve its historical healthcare artefacts.
“This is yet another demonstration of the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to investing in local priority infrastructure and community projects that enhance regional centres like Toowoomba.”
