On Thursday, 6 September, I had the pleasure of representing the Minister for Health in the other place, Daniel Andrews, in officially opening the redevelopment of the Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre. The total cost of the project was just under $866 000, with the state government contributing just over $412 000. The bush nursing centre raised a massive $451 893, including generous donations from Southern Grampians shire, the Balmoral Health Appeal and philanthropic donors.
The project funding is part of the Brumby government’s commitment of $7 million over four years to bush nursing services in this state. The redevelopment included new waiting rooms, a nurses station, consulting rooms, a child-care precinct, including an outdoor play area, an upgraded emergency area and an undercover vehicle drop-off area. The Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre is a significant service hub for the local community. Its services include primary care, emergency care, palliative care, community nursing, health promotion, respite care, planned activity groups and clinic nursing. The opening marked the culmination of many years of planning, fundraising and commitment from the community. The number of staff, residents and community members who were present at the ceremony indicated the pride in and satisfaction with the redeveloped centre.
I congratulate all those who were involved and look forward to seeing at first hand the redeveloped facilities put to use by current and future generations of Balmoral and district residents. This is another significant example of a state Labor government governing for all Victorians.