An array of parliamentarians and public servants assembled for the announcement on Monday of the successful contractor and turning of the sod for the $8 million Nelson Bay HealthOne facility which is expected to open its doors in early 2020.
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However, it was a gold-plated shovel emblazoned with the name of former Labor Premier Barrie Unsworth and an off-the-cuff remark by State MP Kate Washington which provided the highlight of the morning.
“Two months after he [Unsworth] used this shovel he became Premier of NSW,” a smiling Ms Washington declared.
Mr Unsworth became Premier in July 1986, the shovel was dated 9-5-86. When questioned later about the comment, Ms Washington said she definitely had no aspirations to become Labor leader.
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Earlier, Port Stephens MLC Catherine Cusack announced that Newcastle-based construction firm Graph Building had been awarded the tender to construct the ‘one-stop-health-shop’ at the Tomaree Community Hospital site, complete with a newly designed car park featuring an additional 20-25 spaces.
Ms Cusack was glowing in her praise of the health benefits the facility would deliver to the Tomaree community before being handed the ceremonial shovel supplied by the hospital women’s auxiliary.
Having grown up on the farm, the MLC demonstrated her deft skills with the shovel before handing the implement to Ms Washington, followed by Cr Palmer and Ms Abbott.
The new HealthOne clinic will deliver a host of purpose-built health care services including mental health consultations, imaging, child and family care, and dental.
Jonathan Holt, acting general manager for Hunter community health, said there would be minimal disruptions to services at the adjoining Tomaree Community Hospital during the construction stage.
“Graph Building has nearly 20 years’ experience in the industry, including construction of health and aged care facilities.”
Construction of the new car park complex will begin immediately. Following its completion in December, work will progress to the new building on the current car park site and demolition of the old community health facility.
Ms Abbott said improving health services across Port Stephens would be her number one priority if elected at the March 2019 election.
Tim Crossingham, from Graph, said that wherever possible they would use Port Stephens contractors.
Among those who also attended the major milestone event representing Port Stephens Council were councillors Glen Dunkley and Sarah Smith.
