Late Mount Burr resident Andrew Zander will be honoured at a ceremony at Millicent Hospital on January 19.
His estate funded a major makeover of the common room at its Sheoak Lodge aged care facility at the hospital and it is to be re-named in his honour.
In cash terms, it is one of the largest bequests in the hospital’s history.
Mr Zander was a Sheoak Lodge resident prior to his death at the age of 73 in 2017.
To be known as the Zander Function Centre, the name was collectively chosen by the Sheoak Lodge residents, families, staff and the Millicent Health Advisory Council via a voting system.
The Zander Function Centre is a space which is designed to be used by families to come together and celebrate special occasions and gatherings.
The dining room features a hand-built table made from Mount Burr cypress pine.
This is particularly special as Mr Zander was well known in the Mount Burr community through his work at the town’s former sawmill.
He supported the Mount Burr United Football Club for decades in his role as the scoreboard operator.
He was made a life member of the Mozzies and his ashes were scattered around the scoreboard in the opening game of the 2018 season.
It is said that Mr Zander’s three favourite things in life were footy, food and music, so this space is regarded as fitting tribute to him and his memory.
As part of the common room refurbishment, a new kitchen was installed with an accessible layout that supports wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
The kitchen has been fitted out with all the necessary utensils and appliances for the residents and families to create a home cooked meal to share or hold a special function.
New flooring and lighting have been installed, the blinds have been replaced and new dining tables and chairs were purchased.
The chairs double as seating for movie nights and other events such as watching the AFL grand final together.
The updated technology in the Zander Function Centre includes a new state of the art TV and surround sound system.
The updated common room has been in use for a number of months but COVID-related factors delayed its official opening.
