The Illawarra region has received a significant boost to frontline emergency care with the official opening of the new Fairy Meadow Ambulance Station.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park was joined by Member for Wollongong Paul Scully, along with NSW Ambulance paramedics, local families and community members to officially open the new ambulance station, which is co-located at the University of Wollongong's Innovation Campus.
The modern, purpose-built ambulance station features five internal parking bays, an ambulance wash bay, administration and office areas, staff rest facilities, a gym, logistics and storage areas, and on-site parking. The new ambulance station is also fitted with a solar energy system with battery storage which provides a back-up power source for essential building services such as lighting and roller doors.
The new Fairy Meadow Ambulance Station is the second last of 54 new and upgraded stations being delivered as part of the NSW Government's $232 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration (RAIR) program.
Building on the success of the RAIR program, planning is also underway for new ambulance stations at Warilla and Unanderra under the $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"This purpose-built health facility represents our commitment to enhancing frontline emergency care and ensuring our paramedics have the resources they need to respond swiftly in the Illawarra region.
"The NSW Government is committed to investing in health infrastructure to support better health outcomes for rural and regional communities.
"The Fairy Meadow station represents a substantial investment in emergency healthcare, with 25 additional paramedics recruited for this purpose-built facility."
Quotes attributable to Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:
"The integration with the University of Wollongong's Innovation Campus not only provides our paramedics with a top-tier facility but also strengthens the bond between our local institutions and emergency services."
"The new station is a welcome addition for our growing local community. It will significantly enhance emergency care for the people of Fairy Meadow and the greater Illawarra region."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:
"The new Fairy Meadow Ambulance Station is a remarkable addition to our network of ambulance services, designed with both functionality and sustainability in mind.
"With its advanced features, including solar energy capabilities and modern amenities, this station will play a crucial role in providing out-of-hospital care to the community.
"This new state of the art health facility provides paramedics with the resources and amenities that will enhance their ability to provide emergency care to the people of the region."
