The Allan Labor Government continues to make progress on the new $500 million Barwon Women’s and Children’s Hospital – with two of the project’s tower cranes arriving on site.

Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne today announced that the two cranes will be named after local healthcare heroes – Aunty Athalie Madden and Dr Kym Anderson.

The first crane ‘Aunty Athalie’ is named after proud Yorta Yorta woman, Aunty Athalie Madden. Aunty Athalie has worked as a midwife for over 43 years and has played a significant role in developing culturally inclusive maternity support in the Barwon region.

The second tower crane ‘Kym’ is named after Dr Kym Anderson. Dr Anderson has worked as a paediatrician for the last 25 years - his work has been instrumental in leading paediatric diabetes and cancer services across Geelong.

The naming of the two tower cranes after Aunty Athalie and Dr Anderson acknowledges the remarkable contribution of these two healthcare professionals to the Barwon region. 

With main works now underway on site, the arrival of the cranes marks an exciting milestone for the project.

Over the next two years, the ‘Aunty Athalie’ and ‘Kym’ cranes will help to build the new Barwon Women’s and Children’s tower, including a new children’s inpatient unit, new neonatal and parent care unit and more operating theatres.

Once complete, the project will deliver new maternity inpatient beds, paediatric inpatient beds, birthing suites, operating theatres, and expanded paediatric and maternity specialist facilities to provide essential care to women and children in the region.

The project is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with Barwon Health, Lyons Architecture and Built.

The new Barwon Women’s and Children’s Hospital is expected to be complete in 2029. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne

“Across Victoria, there are so many remarkable individuals working in our health system.”

“The Barwon Women’s and Children’s will be a gamechanger for mums and bubs in Geelong – it’s fantastic to see the project coming to life.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“The new Barwon Women’s and Children’s is a vital investment in the future of our region, ensuring families across the Bellarine have access to high-quality women’s health, maternity, and paediatric care close to home.

“Congratulations to Aunty Athalie and Dr Kym Anderson - thank you for your incredible contribution to our local community.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Geelong Christine Couzens

“As major construction gets underway on the Women’s and Children’s, it is great to see the tower cranes named after two local women who have given so much to women and children’ health in the Geelong region.”

“Congratulations to Traditional Woman Auntie Athalie and Kym on their recognition for service.”

Quote attributable to Member for Lara Ella George

“The new Barwon Women’s and Children’s will transform how women and kids across our region access healthcare – bringing more world-class services, closer to home.”