One of South Australia’s busiest ambulance stations has officially opened its new $9 million home, with 46 paramedics preparing to move into a purpose-built facility in Adelaide’s southern suburbs.
The rebuilt Marion Ambulance Station, located on Sturt Road in Mitchell Park, was officially unveiled on Sunday 18 October and will become operational from Monday 19 October.
Responding to more than 18,000 emergency callouts each year, Marion is the second-busiest ambulance station in the state. Its ageing facilities have now been replaced with a modern two-storey building designed to support paramedics and meet the growing demands of emergency services across the south.
The new station includes dedicated crew and training areas, rest facilities, modern staff amenities, offices and meeting rooms. There is also garaging for seven ambulances and a light fleet vehicle, along with additional covered ambulance bays and parking.
Importantly, the station has been rebuilt on its existing site, maintaining its strategic position close to Flinders Medical Centre, the Southern Expressway and Sturt Police Station.
SA Ambulance Service Chief Executive Officer Rob Elliott said retaining the location was an important consideration.
“Keeping the station at its existing location was important. It allows us to maintain our presence in the heart of the southern suburbs, with access to key arterial roads, near Flinders Medical Centre and with rapid access to the Southern Expressway and foothills.”
The opening also marks the completion of the metropolitan component of the State Government’s program to deliver 24 new, rebuilt or upgraded ambulance stations across South Australia.
Other stations completed under the program include Mile End, Norwood, Woodville, Edwardstown, Golden Grove, Mount Barker, Campbelltown, Gawler and Victor Harbor.
Work is continuing in regional South Australia, with the rebuilt Whyalla Ambulance Station expected to open in November and the new Two Wells station scheduled for early 2027.
The infrastructure upgrades have been accompanied by an expansion of the ambulance workforce, with the State Government reporting an additional 374 ambulance officers employed across South Australia since 2022.
Health and Wellbeing Minister Blair Boyer said the new Marion facility would provide paramedics with a workplace better suited to their demanding roles.
“Our Marion crews work exceptionally hard at one of South Australia’s busiest ambulance stations, responding to more than 18,000 callouts every year,” Minister Boyer said.
“They deserve facilities that match the important work they do, and this new station provides a modern, purpose-built base where crews can train, rest and respond to emergencies across Adelaide’s southern suburbs.”
Alongside the opening, the State Government also announced the establishment of a full-time Chief Paramedic Officer, a new leadership position within the Department for Health and Wellbeing.
The role will provide dedicated clinical leadership for paramedics, covering workforce development, training, policy, patient safety and new models of care.
The Ambulance Employees Association of South Australia has welcomed the announcement, having advocated for the position for several years.
The Chief Paramedic Officer role will be advertised from Monday 19 October.
The new Marion Ambulance Station will begin serving the community from its rebuilt Mitchell Park headquarters on Monday.
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