Construction of the $35 million Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo reached its highest point today, with a traditional topping-out ceremony held to mark the completion of structural works on the building.
Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton and State Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders were joined by the project team and hospital staff as a tree was placed on top of the new building.
“I’m thrilled construction of the Western Cancer Centre has been powering ahead, and today’s event means we are yet another step closer to providing the quality care that cancer patients and their families deserve in the western region,” Mr Coulton said.
“Seeing the Western Cancer Centre completed will be one of the most exciting milestones for me as Member for Parkes – this facility will provide access to crucial care and support and allow patients to stay closer to their loved ones during treatment.”
The milestone follows the first concrete pour for the new bunker in June.
“It’s wonderful to see progress being made on the Cancer Centre, which is a facility that will not only be of great benefit to Dubbo but also to people from the entire western region, who can stay closer to home for their treatment,” Mr Saunders said.
“Projects such as this one are prime examples of what can be achieved when governments work together for the betterment of our communities, and I look forward to seeing further progress as we get closer to the centre’s completion.”
Background:
• Following the topping-out milestone, structural works will continue on the building, followed by the internal fit-out.
• When complete, the new centre will include 16 chemotherapy spaces, a bunker for radiation treatment and a PET CT scanner for cancer diagnostics. The new building will be at least 2,887 square metres in size and will link with the Dubbo Base Hospital Redevelopment Stage 4 Clinical Services Building at the first floor.
• The Western Cancer Centre project will support more than 100 jobs during construction and create in excess of 60 ongoing jobs.
• The Australian Government has committed $25 million to the project, with the NSW Government committing the remaining $10 million. The project is scheduled for completion in 2021.
