Westfund Health Insurance will mark a major milestone in its long-standing connection with Lithgow, officially unveiling its newly refurbished Care Centre and Eye Care facility on Thursday, 3 July. The grand re-opening, taking place from 3:30pm to 5:30pm at 120 Main Street, Lithgow, is set to be a community-centred event that highlights both the organisation’s historical roots and its forward-focused commitment to regional healthcare.
A ribbon and cake-cutting ceremony, presided over by Westfund Chair Graeme Osborne, formally launched the updated centre. The event will included demonstrations of the new state-of-the-art optical technology, giving guests the opportunity to learn more about enhancements to service delivery and patient care. A range of community engagement activities are also planned to mark the occasion, with attendees expected from across the local health and business sectors.
The re-opening represents more than a physical upgrade—it’s a symbol of Westfund’s enduring commitment to Lithgow. Speaking ahead of the event, Westfund CEO Mark Genovese reflected on the organisation’s origins in Lithgow and the importance of continuing to invest in the town’s future.
“This is another demonstration of Westfund’s commitment to this community. We never forget where we came from,” said Mr Genovese. “We were born out of Lithgow, and we also notice what’s happening in the main street. Unfortunately, not all of the changes have been positive—but we’re doing the opposite. We’ve spent millions of dollars on a brand-new dental centre, and now we’re really proud to open this new Care Centre and Eye Care Centre for our members. We want our members in Lithgow to receive the best possible service, and our investment clearly shows that.”
The new Eye Care facility features modern diagnostic and imaging equipment, helping to bridge the health technology divide between metropolitan and regional areas. According to Mr Genovese, ensuring that regional communities have access to the same level of care as their urban counterparts is central to Westfund’s mission.
“Whether you live in Lithgow or on George Street in the city, you should be able to access the same level of technology and service when it comes to health,” he said. “The technology we’ve implemented here is state-of-the-art. If you have an issue with your eyes, you’ll be seen with the best equipment available, and that’s just as true for our dental centre down the road. We’ve made a commitment, and we’ve followed through with that investment.”
Westfund’s broader strategy for regional health is informed by its own research. In 2022, the organisation conducted the Regional Health Gap Report, which highlighted significant barriers to accessing care in regional communities, ranging from GP shortages to limited allied health services. The findings have shaped Westfund’s ongoing work to close those gaps.
“The report clearly identified there were challenges in accessing services conveniently—whether it’s seeing a GP, getting a skin check, or accessing mental health care,” Mr Genovese explained. “We’ve been working hard to address those issues by either providing services directly or partnering with organisations to improve access. That might be through telehealth or by working with groups that offer cancer support, mental health services, or preventative screenings.”
These partnerships are now available to Westfund members in the Central West region, with a focus on practical, accessible care. While there is still work to be done, Mr Genovese is confident the reimagined Care Centre and Eye Care facility represent significant progress.
“This is about making sure that people in Lithgow and surrounding areas don’t miss out just because of where they live,” he said. “We’re committed to continuing to invest in their health and wellbeing, and this grand re-opening is just one part of that journey.”
The event on 3 July is open to the community and offers an opportunity to see first-hand how Westfund is helping reshape the healthcare landscape in Lithgow—rooted in history, but with a clear eye on the future.
