THE Bushland Fair site is currently undergoing major renovations ahead of a drastic relocation of Biripi's town medical centre from their current High Street location.
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Biripi Aboriginal Corporation CEO Brett Cowling is confident that the move from the current site to Bushland will greatly benefit the local indigenous community.
"Biripi have been wanting to work closer to where the Aboriginal population is for quite some time," Mr Cowling said.
He said there were numerous benefits to the move.
"The obvious benefits are that we're working closer to the Aboriginal community," he said.
"Having the services here is going to help the Purfleet and Taree Aboriginal community," Biripi safety officer Leonie Morcombe agreed.
Mr Cowling added that the move would result in significant cost savings after Biripi purchased the Bushland site using internal revenue, resulting in a reduction of leases and a co-location of services.
The move will see community services, youth, women and children, social services and medical services all rolled out at the new location.
"Biripi want to work within a community controlled environment to ensure better access to health services," Mr Cowling explained.
"The approach is quite innovative - it's a one stop shop approach."
Renovation of the dilapidated shopping centre has been undertaken using internal revenue as well as small donations from local business.
"The new supermarket space will be available for community events and training with a focus on physical activity and early intervention," Mr Cowling said.
"The aim of the centre is to have multiple services and multiple agencies partnering together to ensure the best practice and access."
One of the key partners at the site will be Manning Valley Neighbourhood Services.
Mr Cowling said that Biripi programs and youth services would be offered from Bushland this month.
April will be the opening for the medical centre and other services will follow from July 1.
Services at Purfleet are also set to expand, with internal revenue and a small amount of government funding to be used to provide increased specialist services for Aboriginal people focused on chronic disease and early intervention.
Work at Purfleet is expected to commence once the shift to the Bushland centre is complete.
"It's exciting," Ms Morcombe said.
