Plans to upgrade the Royal Flying Doctor Service's visitor centre in Broken Hill have been propelled forward, with the NSW government dedicating $5.5 million in funding.
The aeromedical service has been operating in the Far West for 86 years and provides health and emergency services to those who live in remote locations.
The new attraction will be built in the Bellman Hangar at the Broken Hill Airport and would feature an interactive Outback Heritage Visitor Experience.
RFDS South Eastern section chief executive Greg Sam said a more engaging facility would help to raise awareness for the organisation.
"We have a 24/7, 365-day service that people rely on and that activity that occurs outside those walls will be better reflected by the exhibits we're able to put in now," he said.
Mr Sam said the centre has been in need of a facelift for some time.
"What we've done to date is utilise and make the most of the existing space.
"This funding enables us to purpose-build the space so it's far more comfortable for visitors.
"As it's a working base, we will need to have a contingency plan around how we will maintain our operation at the same time as we commence the development, but we're just about ready to go," he said.
Upgrade 'will elevate site to whole new level'
Minister for Western New South Wales Dugald Saunders visited Broken Hill for the announcement and said an upgrade of the site would be important for both locals and tourists.
"We've got a very similar style of project in Dubbo and this will elevate the Broken Hill site to a whole new level," he said.
"The buildings and the availability of space is really noticeable ... even access to the toilets, you need to go downstairs and in 2022 we know accessibility is really important."
Deputy Premier Paul Toole agreed the building would play a critical role in keeping the history of the RFDS alive.
"In some cases, several generations of families have relied on the RFDS," he said.
A timeline for when the project will be delivered has not yet been released.
