Members of the local community are opening their wallets to the tune of around $10,000 to upgrade the spartan accommodation for student nurses at Millicent Hospital which dates back almost 60 years.
Members of the Millicent and Surrounds Health Support Group have joined forces with the Millicent Health Advisory Council to upgrade the on-site accommodation.
MASH group chairman Trevor Sinclair said they were focussed on the five bedrooms, common kitchen, dining room, study, lounge room and bathroom.
The rationale of the two groups is to create comfortable accommodation and a positive experience for student nurses in the hope they may continue in the long term their nursing careers at Millicent.
He said much has already been achieved by the 400 voluntary people hours to date spent on painting, carpet removal and other tasks
Mr Sinclair said they were buoyed by the generosity of local businesses and groups who have responded well to their approach for financial support.
“Heading the list of donors with a $5000 donation is the De Bruin Group whose business enterprises include Mayura Station and the Tasting Room restaurant,” Mr Sinclair said.
“The Rotary Club of Millicent has given us $2000 while other backers are South East Property Sales and Management ($500), Meals on Wheels and the Lions Club of Wattle Range Lioness (both $1000).
“Millicent Toyota and the Toyota motor company are supporting us along with K.&S.
“We have approached other groups and are awaiting their response.
“Two of the bedrooms require new windows as they do not have any ventilation and these have been donated by Mount Glass and Glazing.”
Mr Sinclair said the first stage was the bedrooms and was 90% complete with some appliances yet to come.
“The second stage is to upgrade the kitchen and dining area and some tiling and new appliances will be required,” he said.
“We hope to get a new built-in kitchen which can be installed.
“The current bathroom arrangement lacks privacy and is not suitable for mixed sex use.
“This will involve the removal of the bath, installation of two shower cubicles and the partitioning of the toilet.
“This third stage is set to take place at the end of 2023.”
