That’s the opinion of Moyne Shire Council mayor Jim Doukas who was part of a large gathering that last Friday watched the Premier officially open Moyne Health Services (MHS) Community Health Centre. 

“Having the premier come and see first hand what a great facility we have here has to make him more sympathetic to providing more funding,” Cr Doukas said.

The mayor was referring to the $2.1 million which is needed to complete an internal fit-out of the upper level of the community health centre.

Cr Doukas said the progress made on the MHS master plan was exceptional. 

“Port Fairy is a small town but there is a large outlying catchment area where people also rely on Moyne Health,” Cr Doukas said.

“There is a real pride that we have a health service that looks after us so well.

“What having such a great health service does is it also encourages new people to come to the area.

“Good health facilities are certainly a box people want ticked if they are looking to move somewhere new to live.”

Cr Doukas was joined by fellow Moyne Shire councillors Jill Parker and Jordan Lockett at the opening.

Also in attendance were members of the Moyne Health Services board, Port Fairy-based Western Victoria upper house MP James Purcell, Port Fairy Folk Festival committee members, and the Friends of Moyneyana group.

The festival and the friends group have been major donors to the health services. 

In all, the community contribution to the master plan so far is $1.9 million.

Mr Andrews, who jokingly bemoaned the fact he didn’t have time to play at the Port Fairy Golf Club during his stay, said the opening was a memorable moment for the town.

“This is a proud day for the Port Fairy community,” Mr Andrews said. 

“The opening of the health centre is the first part of Port Fairy’s own health precinct, which ensures locals can get the treatment they need, closer to home.”