April 14, 2011
An upgrade to double the size of Gippsland Rotary Centenary House is expected to be completed by September.
Work is progressing quickly on the $2.4 million development which is being undertaken by Kingbuilt from Moe.
The Stage Two development will see Centenary House double in size with an additional nine units for patients and also construction of a community room.
Centenary House has already provided care for over 1000 patients from Latrobe Regional Hospital and the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre.
Gippsland Rotary Centenary House Chairman Ken Peake this week took The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and Member for Morwell Russell Northe on a tour of the project.
Mr Chester is a long time supporter of Gippsland Rotary Centenary House who has lobbied hard to secure the $1.5 million in funding needed to support the Stage Two expansion.
“Gippslanders are fortunate to have an outstanding facility such as Centenary House to help provide them with care and support when they most need it,” Mr Chester said.
“Many studies have shown people are less likely to seek treatment if they need to travel to Melbourne and this facility provides top quality care right here in Gippsland.
“It is reassuring to know that they can receive quality treatment, care and accommodation without having to travel to Melbourne at such a vulnerable time in their lives.
“I’m pleased that construction of Stage Two is progressing quickly and I commend the selfless efforts of the committee and the local community for continuing to support this valuable project.”
Mr Northe said significant work had been undertaken to see the development of Stage Two commence for the benefit of the Gippsland community.
“Many are well aware of the problems rural and regional people have in accessing such facilities, and it has been fantastic to witness the evolution of the next stage of Centenary House,” Mr Northe said.
“Through the hard work of the Gippsland Rotary Centenary House committee and the generosity of so many Gippslanders this building will continue to provide enormous benefit to those undertaking cancer treatments at Latrobe Regional Hospital.
“It is truly an amazing achievement by all associated with this project and once again I commend all involved.”