Last week, another chapter was added when Minister for Health Jill Hennessy announced funding of $2.1 million to fit-out level one of the community health centre.

While she was there, Ms Hennessy also turned the first sod at the site of the new urgent care centre.

One person who is more attached to the continued expansion of the health services than most is Moyneyana House resident Sister Margaret.

Born in Port Fairy, the 86-year-old can trace back strong family ties to the extension.

“Where they have just started building is where my great grand uncle’s house used to be,” Sister Margaret said.

“It is just marvelous to think that the same place that house once stood will now be used to care for so many people in the future.

“It is amazing what they are doing up here, it is wonderful for Port Fairy.

“I love history and I have watched closely over the years as the hospital has grown.”  

Ms Hennessy also expressed a strong affinity for Moyne Health Services during her visit to Port Fairy, describing it as a “cracker of a health service”.

She commended staff for their dedication to the task and the board and executive for their leadership.

“I have got a very special place in my heart for the health service here,” Ms Hennessy said.

“I think a vision has been built of a health service that meets the changing needs of the community’s surge in demand. 

“I really do think the success of the health service has been because of that longer-term vision they have been able to develop in deliverable sizes of work, without disrupting the health service.

“Moyne Health Services has made really persuasive submissions as to why it deserves support and why it should be funded.

“Every time I come to Port Fairy the staff talk passionately about the services they provide.” 

She said the health service also meets the needs during peak population times including the Port Fairy Folk Festival and the summer holiday period.