Media Releases

23-11-2007

Turning of the Sod’ marks history on the Sunshine Coast

GROUNDBREAKING NEWS: History will be made when the ‘sod is turned’ on the site for the first ever charity accommodation facility for patients and their families requiring ongoing medical care on the Sunshine Coast.

Harry Reed, Founder and Chairman of the Reed Charity Foundation (RCF), Mike Kelly, Chairman of the Sunshine Coast Health Foundation, together with the Mayor of Maroochy Shire, Cr Joe Natoli, will turn the sod at a ceremony that will signal the start of construction for the highly anticipated $2 million accommodation facility at the Nambour Hospital.

The RCF is building the much needed facility on behalf of its charity recipient, the Sunshine Coast Health Foundation.

Mr Reed said the sod turning was an exciting milestone for not only the foundation, but also project recipient, the Sunshine Coast Health Foundation, and the many supporters of the project.

“This project would not be possible without the generous support of businesses, community groups and individuals on the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Reed said.

“Hundreds of thousands of dollars has been donated from a number of local suppliers and companies which has led to the commencement of this much needed facility. It is in amazing team effort!”

Similar to facilities run by the Red Cross, the accommodation house will provide a temporary home for patients and their families who require ongoing medical treatment at the Nambour Hospital. The building will be linked to the Sunshine Coast Cancer Centre close to the hospital to make it easy for patients and their families to access.

Some families travel great distances to receive in-hospital treatments, and accommodation can be costly and hard to come by.  The temporary residence will enable patients and their families the opportunity to relax, sleep and have a meal being surrounded by each other and other families in similar situations.

At the completion of construction, the Sunshine Coast Health Foundation, will work closely with regional Rotary Clubs to furnish the facility and the Red Cross who will manage it and bring it to life for the entire community to benefit from.

Ends.