AN important milestone in the Bendigo hospital development also holds special significance for four young children after a visit to Bendigo from the Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessey yesterday.
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Victoria Scicluna, Neve Nisbet, Harvey Smith and Patrick Schilling will have their names be forever enshrined in the roof of the hospital after they got to sign their autograph on one of the final beams to be installed in the new hospital roof.
The children named the four cranes used in the construction of the new hospital as part of a joint initiative by Bendigo Health, Exemplar Health and Lend Lease in 2013 called Name the Cranes.
They were selected to name the cranes after having to explain in 25 words or less why they had chosen the name.
Ms Hennessey, who was joined by her parliamentary colleagues Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards and Victorian Employment Minister and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan, said the day marked a milestone in the project.
"When we look at the beams which go up, we're really looking at almost a time capsule and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to sign those beams today because this is an important juncture on an important project," she said.
"This is the biggest infrastructure project that Bendigo has seen, but more than that it's about ultimately delivering quality health services to the Loddon Mallee region and particularly for the Bendigo community."
But she added the "real stars" of the day were Patrick, Harvey, Victoria and Neve, who gave the project a strong community ownership.
Ms Hennessey paid special tribute to the crane named by Victoria, called 'Lucy in the sky', which was named after her twin sister who died at birth.
"I think it is not only a heartwarming story but to have Lucy up in the sky looking over this project is both moving and very meaningful," she said.
She said the hospital project remained on schedule but did not commit to an exact completion date.
"It's going to be a fantastic day when this health service opens," she said.
Ms Hennessey said the state government was keeping an eye on the potential impacts of federal cuts to Victorian health services, including the Bendigo hospital project.
"We're certainly monitoring progress on this project and confident things are on track but that's not to say our health system is not without challenge," she said.
"It is absolutely critical the federal government step up and pay their fair share for services, because we don't want to have a building but no money to actually staff it."
