Paramedics have walked out of the Narrabeen Ambulance Station, saying the 64-year-old building’s black mould, broken windows, and peeling paint have made it unsafe for staff. The once-busy Pittwater Road base, now empty, has been labelled “not fit for purpose” after years of complaints about health and safety risks.
Unsafe Conditions Spark Staff Walkout
The walkout began after paramedics and the Health Services Union (HSU) declared the Narrabeen station uninhabitable. Inside, thick mould spread across ceilings and walls, while smashed windows were covered with plywood. Paint flaked from doors, ceilings, and locker rooms. Paramedics described the building as damp and unsafe, with some calling it “the worst station in the region.”
The HSU confirmed that members formally voted to place a work ban on the site following an emergency meeting held on 10 October. Staff were directed to report instead to the Mona Vale Ambulance Station, about ten minutes north. The decision followed repeated complaints that had gone unanswered for months.
Health And Safety Concerns Deepen
The 1961-built facility is among the oldest still operating on the Northern Beaches. Paramedics say the site has long suffered water leaks, asbestos concerns, and general neglect. Security issues have also been raised, including reports of an intruder confronting paramedics inside the building several weeks before the walkout. The station had no locked gates, and fencing added earlier in the year was described by staff as “mostly cosmetic.”
Union officials said the move was necessary to protect frontline workers from unsafe conditions. NSW Ambulance management supported the temporary relocation, acknowledging that the building could not be brought up to safe standards immediately.
Government Response And Future Plans
The NSW government confirmed that a replacement ambulance station is planned for Dee Why, first announced in September 2023. Health Minister Ryan Park previously told Parliament the Narrabeen building was aged and failed to meet modern standards. NSW Health Infrastructure said the Dee Why site had been identified, with final checks underway before public announcement.
Local MP Jacqui Scruby, who represents Pittwater, said the community needs clear information on how ambulance coverage will continue during the transition. NSW Ambulance has assured residents that services will remain 24 hours a day, with Mona Vale covering the area.
Community Impact And Next Steps
Narrabeen residents have expressed disappointment that the station has fallen into such poor condition but support the paramedics’ decision to prioritise health and safety. Community groups have called for transparency about the timeline for the new Dee Why facility.
For now, the Narrabeen Ambulance Station remains closed to staff, marking the end of its six-decade service to the community. NSW Ambulance and the Health Services Union continue to consult on long-term options for staff and infrastructure upgrades across the region.
Published 14-October-2025
