April 27, 2016 4:54pm
Natalie Savino – Hume Leader

Broadmeadows state Labor MP Frank McGuire at Dallas Brooks Community Primary School

A NEW day surgery centre is among the major wins for Broadmeadows following yesterday’s State Budget.

The $17.3 million centre, to be located at Broadmeadows Health Service in Johnstone St, Jacana, is set to take pressure off the Northern Hospital, with $1.2 million to be allocated in the coming year.

Broadmeadows state Labor MP Frank McGuire said construction of the state-of-the-art surgery centre would start in the coming months and be completed next year.

“This is really important for lifesaving surgery, pain relief surgery and for cutting hospital waiting lists in Melbourne’s north,” he said.

“The extra theatre capacity will enable up to an estimated additional 2590 surgery patients a year.”

Hume Mayor Helen Patsikatheodorou said it was fantastic news and would make it easier for people to access services within their own municipality.

“Anything that our community doesn’t have to leave our municipality for is a good thing,” she said.

“We try to keep our residents within our boundaries so it’s more sustainable, it’s more accessible.”

It’s on top of a $13 million contribution for the ongoing revitalisation of Broadmeadows, which will help towards the redevelopment of the town centre and train station, as well as $500,000 to finish landscaping and outdoor projects at Dallas Brooks Community Primary School.

Principal Valerie Karaitiana said it would help finish the children’s outdoor learning environment.

“We’ve got great facilities but we needed extra funding to complete the grounds for outdoor play,” she said.

“It’s just brought a lot of joy to the community. They actually put this school on the site with no grounds. Finally it’s getting that support to put landscaping and seating and asphalt and concrete.”

Meanwhile, Mr McGuire said $4.5 million would go towards the Education First Youth Foyer, which includes a 40-bed facility at Kangan Institute.

“It keeps it going and will help the centre thrive,” he said.

“This has been a big win for families in Broadmeadows.”

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