RSPCA NSW celebrated the grand reopening of our newly renovated Broken Hill Veterinary Hospital and over 50 years of service in the region on Wednesday, 18 June 2025.
The event marked the completion of a significant redevelopment, made possible by a $1.8 million investment from the NSW Government and the generous support of our animal loving community, which resulted in hospital’s expansion of surgical and treatment spaces, new consulting rooms and isolation wards.
The funding also provided the hospital with modernised veterinary equipment including a new ultrasound machine, a digital x-ray machine, dental equipment, surgery tables and a steriliser for surgical instruments, known as an autoclave.
These upgrades were part of a broader $10.5 million grant provided in 2021 to enhance RSPCA NSW shelters across the state.
Established in 1974, the RSPCA NSW Broken Hill Veterinary Hospital services animals throughout the entire Far West NSW region, with some clients travelling upwards of 200km to seek treatment for their pets. In the past year alone, the hospital treated more than 3,000 animals, ranging from dogs, cats, rare avian species, reptiles, macropods and bats.
NSW Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Ron Hoenig MP, and Broken Hill City Council Mayor, Cr. Tom Kennedy, joined RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman and RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian, Dr Liz Arnott to officiate the reopening of the site.
“The RSPCA Broken Hill Veterinary Hospital plays a vital role in caring for pets and other animals in some of our most remote communities. I’m pleased the NSW Government was able to support a much-needed upgrade of this important facility – it’s first major rennovation in over 50 years,” said Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig.
“The upgrade will give RSPCA NSW the space and modern facilities needed to ensure its staff can deliver the best standard of care for animals in Broken Hill and the broader region. Improving animal welfare standards and promoting responsible pet ownership are key priorities of the NSW Government and it’s wonderful to see this renovation completed,” he added.
RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said “Our Broken Hill Veterinary Hospital is a valuable community resource, providing vital care for all creatures, great and small. This reopening signals an exciting new chapter for animal welfare in the far west.”
“RSPCA NSW has a very special history and close connection with the Broken Hill community, and we are looking forward to continuing to provide our essential services in the area for many years to come.”
Local members of the community were also invited to join in on the celebrations, taking part in a behind the scenes tour of the redeveloped hospital and given the chance to meet and talk with our dedicated team of veterinarians. Cupcakes and doggy bags were also on offer, including $50 discount vouchers for pet owners on dental appointments for the month of July.
“The Broken Hill Veterinary Hospital provides 24-hour emergency care, every day of the year, providing a critical service to a remote region of NSW. As a result, we see a significant number of trauma and complex medical cases requiring urgent treatment. These upgrades mean our team is now fully equipped to provide an excellent standard of care to the animals that need us most,” said RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian, Dr Liz Arnott.
