MOMENTOUS DAY FOR WAGGA WAGGA AS PCYC OPENS, MEDICAL SCHOOL SOD-TURN MARKS START OF BUILDING

Two significant Wagga Wagga projects will reach important milestones on Friday as the new Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) officially opens and the local Medical School official sod-turn marks the start of capital works – a $44 million investment into the region.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said he was pleased to see the fruition of so much hard work to advocate and deliver these important facilities and services for the region.

“Right from the first speech I gave in Parliament back in 2010, I talked about more doctors for Regional Australia – I talked about more options and opportunities for young people – and I have delivered,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Murray-Darling Rural Medical Schools Network has been delivered and the construction is about to begin in Wagga Wagga and the world-class PCYC building on Fitzhardinge Street in Wagga Wagga has been built and I’m immensely proud of these two pieces of infrastructure.

“I fought and advocated for these two projects on behalf of the local community and I congratulate and thank those who put their support behind this journey.

“I know what a difference they are going to make for families and for people right across the region.”

Mr McCormack secured $10 million towards the $23 million PCYC facility, which replaces the Gurwood Street location which had been operational since 1963.

“The facility was well overdue for an upgrade and I am delighted to have played a part in delivering a modern space which will be used for many generations to come from across the region,” Mr McCormack said.

“The building comprises of four multi-sport courts, a gym, a space for dance classes and a kindy gym, as well as meeting rooms, a dedicated space for out of school hours care and a café.”

The Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network was announced in the 2018 Budget and included the establishment of a rural Medical School in Wagga Wagga administered by the University of New South Wales.

“A rural medical school has been one of my primary goals since being elected to Parliament,” Mr McCormack said.

“The very first thing I did when I became Deputy Prime Minister was to establish the Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network, which comprises of schools in Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga in NSW and Bendigo, Mildura and Shepparton in Victoria.

“We know if students train in the regions they are more likely to stay and practise in the regions, they are likely to fall in love with the wonderful lifestyle and people we have in regional and rural Australia.”

The $21 million, three-storey Wagga Wagga Medical School will include undercover carparking and will be form part of the Base Hospital precinct.

University of NSW students can study the full UNSW Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine degree in Wagga Wagga. In the past only years three to six of the degree were taught in the region.

Shane Manning