Local charity Wishlist is calling on the Sunshine Coast community to rally behind The House the Coast Built to complete the fit-out of 18 rooms, located on the top two floors of the new state-of-the-art Wishlist Centre (Stage One).

From carpenters and tilers to painters and flooring specialists, Wishlist Fundraising and Events Manager Lisa Wilson said the not-for-profit organisation needed all hands on deck to open the doors of the $14 million centre by July 2022.

“Wishlist Centre will be Australia’s first facility to offer affordable patient accommodation, primary healthcare, and complementary therapies under one roof,” Ms Wilson said.

“We know being close to a local hospital or having a loved one close during, or after, a medical crisis is critical to enhancing a patient’s wellbeing and that’s why Wishlist Centre has been strategically placed opposite the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

“In 2019, over 160 generous Sunshine Coast businesses donated their time and resources to help us deliver Wishlist House which offers affordable patient and carer accommodation in six ensuite rooms close to the hospital. We are now calling for support once again to deliver a far more ambitious legacy project in Wishlist Centre, which is set to change the experience for so many accessing health care at our hospital.”

Ausmar Homes Director Tony Bryan, whose team will project manage the fit-out of the 18 accommodation rooms, said he feels confident the ambitious end goal would be achieved thanks to the generosity of the Coast construction community.

“We see time and time again, whenever we put the call out, those who come on board take immense satisfaction in the long-term contribution they’re making to our region,” Mr Bryan said.

“This is an opportunity to genuinely make a difference to people’s lives at a time when it really matters and many of the trades and businesses that have supported The House The Coast Built in the past, have first or second-hand experience of this.

“At this stage, we are asking suppliers and tradies to commit to working on this project from March 2022 until Wishlist Centre opens to patients and their families in July 2022.

“We’re encouraging those who are interested in being involved to fill out the quick and simple Expressions of Interest form on the Wishlist website.”

While Ausmar Homes will be responsible for overseeing the fit-out of the 18 rooms of the facility, the nation’s largest privately-owned building company Hutchinson Builders has been awarded the design and construction contract for the four-level facility.

Hutchinson Builders Site Manager Lachlan Knowles said he was proud to be working with Wishlist and Ausmar Homes to help bring this purpose-designed centre to life.

“Wishlist Centre will play an important role in supporting our community in times of need and we are all happy to be part of this project,” Mr Knowles said.

“We look forward to being part of the legacy for the Sunshine Coast.”

The need for transitionary accommodation continues to increase as the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) catchment remains one of the fastest growing in Queensland.

“For the past 23 years Wishlist has directed fundraising efforts to initiatives that best support a rapidly growing health service and with more patients receiving ongoing treatment for cancer, dialysis, and complications in pregnancy or are requiring pre- and post-op care, Wishlist Centre will be a vital piece of infrastructure for the region,” Ms Wilson said.

“Wishlist Centre will offer spacious and light-filled accommodation, with self-contained studio, family, and interconnecting rooms along with communal spaces for patients and their families. These shared spaces include kitchen and laundry facilities, wellness and consult rooms for therapy services and break-out spaces for community activities to support the patients and their families.

“We’re incredibly lucky to have the wonderful teams at Hutchinson Builders and Ausmar Homes working together on this project and we don’t underestimate the value of their contribution, along with all those who will form part of The House The Coast Built by supporting the fit out of the 18 accommodation rooms on levels three and four.”

For those looking for more information on how to get involved, head to the Wishlist website to register your interest – www.wishlist.org.au.

BY THE NUMBERS: 

18 – The number of rooms needed for fit-out in Wishlist Centre.

$12 million – Granted to Wishlist from the Australian Government’s Department of Health, Community Health and Hospital Program.

$2 million – Donated by local philanthropists Roy and Nola Thompson.

2022 – Wishlist Centre is expected to open opposite SCUH in mid-2022.

160 – The number of Sunshine Coast businesses who donated their time and resources for The House the Coast Built project in 2019.

FAST FACTS:

• Wishlist Centre will provide transitionary care accommodation to support patients and their families whilst having ongoing treatment.
• The facility will offer unique, no-cost and low-cost services – including a GP service – that will benefit patients and families staying within the facility and the wider community.
• The four-level $14 million Wishlist Centre (Stage One) has commenced construction and is supported by a $12 million Federal Government grant through the Australian Government’s Department of Health, Community Health and Hospital Program, secured by Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace.

WHAT WISHLIST NEEDS:

• Flooring suppliers and installers
• Painters
• Carpenters
• Window Furnishers
• Dishwashers for two family rooms