The Rotary Club of Albury North Inc in association with the Bone Marrow Donor Institute (BMDI), Lions District 201 V6 and the Zonta Club of Albury - Wodonga, have been selected by the NSW Department of Health as the preferred supplier of Patient Carer and Family Accommodation Services in Albury-Wodonga.
The Rotary Club of Albury North and the Zonta Club of Albury-Wodonga were the initiators some 6 years ago of an investigation into the need for such facilities in Albury-Wodonga. The surveys done then indicated a serious need for the facilities and subsequently, BMDI and Lions District 201 V6 joined in the project.
The project is to erect a twenty (20) motel style unit facility with ensuite bathrooms, kitchenettes, communal lounge/dining and community meeting area on land on the Albury Base Hospital site, to be purchased from the NSW Department of Health. This community owned project will be managed by the Rotary Club of Albury North, Zonta Club of Albury Wodonga, Lions District 201 V6 and BMDI.
The facility will provide quality, low cost accommodation for carers and families of patients attending Albury and Wodonga hospitals. The estimated total cost of the project is $4 million to $4.5 million and is hoped to be operational by December 2011. A major fund raising program will be launched shortly.
Many Rotarians in our area will be aware of Rotary's involvement with BMDI in providing a similar facility in North Melbourne where Rotary (including our District) assisted greatly with fundraising. This facility has now been operating very successfully for several years by BMDI and is known as BMDI Rotary House.
The catchment area for patients who travel to Albury-Wodonga for medical treatment includes a significant part of District 9790 - up to thirty (30) Clubs are in the catchment area. District 9790 strongly supports the initiative of the Rotary Club of Albury North and its partners in this major project. It will provide a significant community facility which will benefit many residents from many of the areas in our district and additionally will enhance Rotary's profile in the District.
There is no financial or other commitment from District 9790 itself or on behalf of club's to the project, however, the support of clubs in the catchment area to this community project and its fundraising program is commended by District 9790.
David Cooke District Governor
3rd March 2010
