Bundaberg’s Rotary Lodge has moved on-site to a house within the Bundaberg Hospital campus.

Rotary Lodge provides reasonably priced accommodation for patients and families visiting the Bundaberg Base Hospital, Friendly Society Private Hospital or Mater Hospital.

“The Lodge in Woongarra Street has been a real success, with over 1500 people making it a home away from home at a difficult time.  However, it was always an interim project with the long-term goal to establish suitable accommodation on hospital grounds,’’   Foundation manager Maria Burnet said

“After months of renovations from a team of dedicated local tradesman, many of whom are members of various Rotary clubs, the Lodge was moved at the weekend and opened on Monday, July 21 with three new guests,” she said.

“The new Lodge has many advantages. Not only is it closer to Bundaberg Hospital for the many North Burnett patients who need to access medical treatment, but it also means we will no longer have to pay a $33,000 a year lease to keep the facility operational.

“Discussions with the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) means we will only need to pay a nominal lease of just over $7000 to cover asset maintenance costs,” she said.

“The HHS will also continue to support the project with building maintenance once renovations are complete, linen supplies and lawn maintenance.

“This is a wonderful outcome and beneficial partnership which will ensure this facility is an important part of the health infrastructure around the hospital campus.

“We are incredibly grateful to the many Rotary Club members who donated their time during the various working bees that were required to get the house open for patients and guest,” she said. “We couldn’t have done it without them.”

Costs to modify the home to Class 1B standards were achieved through Foundation funds, community/Rotarian support and a specifically established Morrison Marshall Fund (donations from a deceased gentleman’s family in Biggenden) who wanted to see Rotary Lodge continue as a viable option.

Members of the public and local business can forever have their name on show at the new Rotary Lodge by supporting the latest fundraising campaign to help cover the costs of the renovations.

Individuals can buy a paver (230x115x40mm (up to 42 letters) for the cost of $40 with their name permanently engraved. Larger pavers are also available (300x300x40) at a cost of $200 for those groups or businesses that want to be involved.

“We wanted to provide a permanent recognition of donors who support this new move on-site to Bundaberg Hospital,” Ms Burnet said. “They will also be appreciated for generations to come.”