Fraser Coast primary school students are being asked to help with some ‘creative heavy lifting’ and suggest names for the new crane that has arrived onsite for the Hervey Bay Hospital Expansion project.
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) Chief Executive Debbie Carroll said the ‘Name the Crane’ competition gave local children the chance to get involved in the construction of their community’s future.
“The 37-metre-tall hammerhead tower crane is helping us to expand the future of healthcare in Hervey Bay, and we think it’s only fitting that the kids who will grow up here have a hand in naming it,” Debbie said.
“The expansion project involves fitting out the vacant space on the second level of our emergency department building to house a new medical inpatient unit and relocated intensive care unit.
“On top of this, a new rooftop helipad will be built enabling patients to be transferred directly from the roof to the emergency department or intensive care unit.
“Once built, the upgrades will enhance our ability to provide high-quality, timely care for critical patients, reduce wait times, and allow our medical professionals to focus on delivering patient-centred care."
WBHHS Project Director Alison Smith said she was excited to see what unique and imaginative names local students came up with for Hervey Bay Hospital’s new tower crane.
“The crane will be a prominent feature at the hospital for about a year and will be the primary method of lifting all of the materials such as scaffolding, structural steel, formwork, finishes materials and of course, the new helipad,” Alison said.
"We love the idea of involving local children, even if it's in a small way, and this competition allows them to be creative while learning more about this exciting project.
“In addition to great prizes kindly donated by contractor, Apollo Property, the winning name will be proudly displayed on a banner on the crane for the whole community to see.
“Whether the name is something fun, inspirational, or connected to the wonderful spirit of Hervey Bay Hospital, we’re looking forward to having our younger community members involved in this special milestone.”
Names will be judged on creativity, originality, and relevance to the crane's purpose, the hospital's expansion, and its connection to health, community, and progress.
How to enter:
- Students are encouraged to come up with imaginative names for the crane.
- Entries must be submitted by parents/guardians or teachers via Hervey Bay Hospital 'Name the Crane' competition | Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service.
- Entries close Sunday, 9 March 2025.
- Entries will be reviewed by a panel, who will select the top four names to be put to a public vote.
The Hervey Bay Hospital Expansion project is being delivered by Health Infrastructure Queensland, in collaboration with WBHHS, as part of the Capacity Expansion Program.