Spaces and places
Our Ourimbah students and communities benefit from outstanding facilities, many of which are purpose-built to replicate industry situations.
Ourimbah campus has a wide range of food, shops and bars for students staff and the community to enjoy. See the full list of locations for more information.
The University is home to the kind of sporting facilities where elite athletes are proud to train.
As a student, you can often access these facilities for discounted rates – or even for free.
- Central Coast: Pop Up Gym – 10 Chittaway Road, Ourimbah
More than just buildings full of books (although we have those too) the University’s libraries are vast, interconnected sources of knowledge, with extensive online databases, spaces for individual or group study, and knowledgeable staff who are ready to assist you.
Our Ourimbah students and staff have access to
- Computers and a range of printing/scanning services
- Study rooms with access to computers and screens
- Wireless and power connections for laptops and other devices
- Automated borrowing system for high demand collections
- Scheduled in-person drop-in sessions with library staff
- Consultations with Learning Support Librarians, Teaching Liaison Librarians, and Student Peer Support Assistants
- Lounge, parents' room and outdoor meeting spaces
Staff and students can also access the library at the Central Coast Clinical School and will also be able to utilise the brand-new Gosford Regional Library, where they will have reciprocal borrowing rights.
KU Children's Services childcare centre operates at our Ourimbah campus. KU Child Care are community-based centres that are open to the general public as well as staff and students.
Central Coast campus (Ourimbah)
If you require emergency or out-of-hours childcare services in Newcastle and the Central Coast regions include:
While much of the university experience is shared no matter what your degree, aspects of your time will be determined by what you are studying.
So to make sure you are getting the most of your degree – have access to all the right resources, are aware of the right people, and are informed about any prizes or scholarships for which you may be eligible – it’s good to know which school you belong to and where the office is.
Ourimbah campus is home to countless learning spaces – both for formal classes and lectures, as well as informal catch-ups for group or individual study.
At Ourimbah, we are particularly proud of our unique, state-of-the-art teaching and learning spaces for our degrees in Podiatry, Oral Health Therapy, Marine Science, Environmental Science and Food Science and Human Nutrition.
Before venturing out into business and community placements, our students develop their practical and theoretical skills in purpose-built teaching facilities including:
- Exercise science and exercise physiology testing facilities - part of the new $7.7million Exercise and Sport Science and Psychology building.
- Clinical laboratories for nursing, oral health and podiatry - students develop skills in settings that simulate hospital wards.
- Sara Lee Test Kitchen - students develop and test food product concepts
While many spaces you can feel free to use at any time, some may require a booking:
- Our libraries have a number of group study rooms and study booths available for bookings and there is also a rang of quiet or collaborative spaces within the library or throughout the campus.
- Faculties and schools have rooms and spaces for bookings that are related to your study such as production rooms, drama theatres etc. See your faculty or school for more information.
- General access computer labs are available for student use, with no need for a booking. See IT support for more information.
- For functions and larger events see Hire our facilities.
Accessibility spaces on campus
Students with a disability have a huge range of services available, such as exam and assessment support, equipment and furniture loans, and parking permits.
Appointments are necessary (except for emergencies) and are usually fifteen minutes. If you think you need more time, please tell the receptionist when making your appointment.
Book an appointment online
From 31 October 2025 GP services at the Ourimbah Health Service will end. All other Student Wellbeing services including Counselling and AccessAbility services will continue at all Central Coast campuses.
More information about the changes to the Ourimbah Health Service and new hybrid health service model for Central Coast campuses including how to transfer your medical records can be found below.
Contact
4348 4060
Location
Visit the Health Service located in the Student Support on the Ourimbah Campus (adjacent to the Library).
Opening times
We are open Monday to Fridays from 9am to 5pm for booking and enquiries, and appointments.
Doctors
Dr Kerry Horadam is available for phone, telehealth and face to face on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Dr Tom (Duo) Wang is available Fridays.
Pauline Brown (Registered Psychologist) is available on Tuesdays and Friday for staff, students and their families, for psychology appointments with a referral from their GP.
We also have a registered nurse available who works closely with doctors, attends most emergencies on campus and treats minor injuries when it may not be necessary to see a doctor.
Students, healthcare card holders and concession card holders, can access the bulk billing services. There is a small gap fee for all other bookings.
Emergencies
If you feel you need to see a doctor urgently, please discuss it with the nurse via reception.
In an emergency you can also attend the Accident and Emergency Department of either:
- Gosford Hospital (Holden Street, Gosford)
- Wyong Hospital (Pacific Highway, Kanwal)
- John Hunter Hospital (Lookout Road, New Lambton)
If you need an ambulance please call 000.
After hours care
If you need urgent medical attention outside of our operating hours, please call 4348 4060 and a recorded message will give you our after hours arrangements. This practice provides 24 hour care for our patients through GP Access which operates after 6pm on weekdays, on weekends from 12pm Saturday, and public holidays. On Saturday mornings you can attend the Central Coast Family Medicine by calling 4351 8777.
Please see our Information sheet (PDF, 49KB) for more information.
Ourimbah Health Service FAQS
What is changing at the Ourimbah Health Service?
The service is moving to a hybrid partnership model to better meet the University’s changing footprint across the Central Coast. A nurse-led clinic will operate on campus, with referrals to local health providers and a continued focus on health promotion and other clinical services.
When will these changes occur?
The medical component and GP services will end on 31October 2025. This allows time to transfer care and records before the end of the year. All other Student Wellbeing services including Counselling and AccessAbility services will continue at all Central Coast campuses.
What will happen to all other Student Wellbeing Services?
The Student Wellbeing team (including Counselling, Wellbeing Triage, AccessAbility and Health Promotion staff) will continue to operate in the existing hybrid model across the University’s Newcastle, Ourimbah, and Gosford locations. This model includes a mix of face-to-face and online services. There will be no reduction in Counselling or Psychological services or support provided to students with disability on the Central Coast.
What should students and staff do to access healthcare prior to the closure?
Appointments will continue until the time of closure. We encourage students, staff and the greater community to find a General Practitioner in their local area and contact the Health Service to have their records transferred.
Is there a list of suggested GPs?
Yes, here is a list of GPs in the local area close to the campus at Gosford that are taking new patients. You can also search for a local doctor on Hotdoc.
- Reliance Super Clinic – Ph 4304 1333 is a large practice about 10 mins from Gosford CBD, no train access- about 15 min walk and bus service. Mixed billing - bulk billing available for pensioners, health care card holders and children aged 15 years and under, only between Monday-Friday 8am-6pm (excluding weekends and public holidays).
- Wyoming Medical and Dental Centre – Ph 4329 9000 is a large practice, offering mixed billing - Bulk Billing available for pensioners, healthcare cardholders, and children under the age of 16.- No train line but is accessible by bus 10 mins or 20 min walk.
- Absolute Medical Services – Ph 4328 5200. Lisarow medical centre near Ourimbah campus accessible by train and bus from Gosford, Mixed billing and bulk billing.
- Family Doctors, Tuggerah – Ph 02 4313 9052. Accessible by bus and train and inside main Westfield shopping centre with pathology services, private billing, bulk bill available for under 16 years old and Aged Pensioners
What about international students with Overseas Student Health Cover?
Information is organised below by provider to assist international students in locating services on the Central Coast that are OSHC friendly. If your insurer is not listed, you will need to pay at the time of your appointment and then claim following your appointment.
- Medibank OSHC — Their “Find a Provider” tool helps locate direct-billing clinics; just enter your postcode or suburbs in the Central Coast region. http://www.medibankoshc.com.au/find-provider
- Bupa OSHC — Offers a listing of Bupa-friendly doctors across Australia, searchable by location. https://www.bupa.com.au/health-insurance/oshc/members-help-guide/find-a-doctor
- AHM OSHC — Similar direct-billing provider search functionality available for members. https://www.ahmoshc.com.au/find-provider
- Allianz OSHC — Allianz provides a directory of network clinics by state/territory; using their site, you can search for providers in NSW by entering your postcode. https:ihfinddoctor.agaassistance.com.au/
Will I be able to access my medical records?
Medical records held by Ourimbah Health Service will remain available for collection at the Ourimbah Campus or can be transferred to your nominated GP by emailing student-support-ourimbah@newcastle.edu.au with a signed consent form available for download on the website. Medical records will be available for collection or transfer free of charge until 12 December 2025. After this date, there will be a charge of $40 to transfer files.
Do I need an appointment to get my medical records?
No, you do not need an appointment. Just email a signed Request to Transfer Medical Records consent form, to student-support-ourimbah@newcastle.edu.au.
What will happen to my medical records if I don't transfer them?
Your medical records will remain confidential in line with Health Records and Information Privacy Act and will be stored at the University as per legislative requirements.
Will there be any new services or changes in care after the closure?
Yes. Starting in 2026, the new model will include a nurse-led clinic across Central Coast campuses including Ourimbah.
What services will the nurse led clinic provide?
The clinic will continue to provide the following services:
- Vaccines for students for their clinical placements, verification days and other health care requirements
- Vaccines and advice to staff eg. fu clinic and travel vaccines
- Healthcare advice and triage for international students who may have difficulty accessing traditional healthcare
- Health promotion and resources to encourage awareness of health issues eg. sexual health, contraception, mental health service etc
- Routine health checks (temperature, blood pressure) for students and staff
- Referral to other healthcare professionals in the community tailored to a student's healthcare needs
- First aid and minor medical issues such as eg. sprain, burn, minor cuts.
What will happen to student vaccinations and clinical placement preparedness?
The new model will continue to support vaccinations necessary for clinical placements and verification days, ensuring students can meet their verification requirements efficiently.
If I need assistance with finding a GP or accessing services, who can I contact?
You can continue to contact the Ourimbah Campus Health Service, or the medical practices listed above or search on the Hotdoc website.
Will there be any support during the transition?
Yes, the Health Service is available to provide guidance and support to help you transition smoothly to new healthcare providers. The GP and nurses will be available until close of business to transfer care and medical records. Please contact the clinic with any questions.
Will the private external psychologist continue to be available for students and staff who have a mental health care plan?
Yes, the psychologist will continue to provide face to face services at Ourimbah on a Tuesday and telehealth on a Friday.
Who do I contact for more information?
For further questions or assistance, please contact Aron Edwards 4348 4688.
Your time at the University of Newcastle can be one of the most rewarding periods of your life, but it’s also a time when you will probably need a range of support and advice. Students who actively seek help during their studies are more likely to be successful in managing their life – both at and outside uni – so it’s one of the smartest things you can do.
It’s also common to need extra support, so you won’t be alone if you utilise the services available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.