By Kyra Gillespie
A flag raising ceremony marked the emblematic opening of St John of God Berwick.
Attending the symbolic occasion were special guests, Aboriginal elder Murrundindi and Gembrook MP Brad Battin.
Hospital CEO Lisa Norman said the day marked an important milestone for the hospital.
“For us it was really important to have the right people represent each of the flags,” Ms Norman said.
“Murrundindi performed a Welcome to Country, and I spoke about the symbolism of each of the flags – who designed them and when, and what they each represented, and Brad talked a bit about the role of the hospital in the local community.
“It was a very simple but lovely day.”
The ceremony was followed by afternoon tea.
The new $120 million hospital is now open, offering state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
The hospital’s key facilities include a new maternity unit, eight operating theatres, two endoscopy theatres, a dedicated cardiac unit and the first Intensive Care Unit for the region.
