Maleny District Sport & Recreation Club Community Newsletter
Monday, 26 October 2020
Maleny District Sport & Recreation Club Community Newsletter Maleny
Memorial Hospital
Started by the People, for the People. Maleny Memorial Hospital Celebrates a Century
Last Wednesday was a very special day indeed. The Maleny Soldier’s Memorial Hospital celebrated a Centenary on Wed 21 October. Due to space restrictions, a large crowd was not possible but lots of photos were taken to record the event and the century of care was also commemorated with the unveiling of a plaque.
hospital means that people can be treated for their medical issues here and don’t always have to travel down the mountain. Their loved ones can come in and see them, and we have an emergency department here too, which is so important for those urgent matters.”
The Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital was built by Paul Tesch of Witta, in 1919 in Bean Street, Maleny for 1,157 pounds on land purchased from Mr E F Watson. The hospital was opened on 1st August 1920. The hospital was extended several times over the years and served the community for 67 years, until a new hospital was built opposite and opened in 1987. The old hospital was demolished in early 1989 and a new Maleny Ambulance Station was constructed on the site. Hospital Auxiliary President Louise Hickey said “I think for the whole community it’s important to celebrate, because it’s something the community started back 100 years ago,” Mrs Hickey said. “It was started by the people, for the people. Very importantly, the
Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Adj Prof Naomi Dwyer said the Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital was originally built as a memorial to those who took part in World War 1. “It was officially opened as a private hospital on 21 October 1920 and later gazetted as a general public hospital on 21 May 1921,” Prof Dwyer said. "As many of you know, the old building was removed, and the old site now houses Maleny Ambulance Station.”
Maleny District Sport and Recreation Club Inc
The health service is celebrating not only the hospital’s 100th year in this area, but also acknowledges the commitment of the many staff and the important role they have played in helping improve the health of the local community. SCHHS Board Chair Dr Lorraine Ferguson AM said: “From its very humble beginnings being funded by subscription, the facility has grown to today being a leader in movement disorders. It is very clear to see that throughout the decades; Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital has strong support from this community. This is evidenced by the community’s willingness to fundraise. This enabled the community to provide healthcare to our war heroes free-of-charge. Today, this community continues to stand behind this hospital, raising thousands to support those in ill health. This community has every right to be proud of its history and the unique place it holds in our Sunshine Coast region. A wonderful reminder of the connection of the hospital’s history and connection to the town, is the beautiful Walk of Remembrance and in the hospitals very name.”
https://malenysportandrec.org.au/