WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

The Hon. A.L. EVANS (15:46): In October 2007, hundreds of volunteers from a number of South Australian churches completed the renovation of the Paediatric Outpatients Department of the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide. The clinic, which provides more than 230,000 services to children and their families each year, has new child-friendly waiting areas, which include new flooring, furniture, lighting, television sets and DVD players. In material and labour costs, the scope of works has been valued at $300,000 to $350,000. The renovation blitz was carried out by 377 volunteers working around the clock over just five days, with the support of 18 businesses which helped fund the project through the donation of labour, materials and finance.

The project was led by Edge Church International in partnership with the Women's and Children's Hospital Foundation, as well as 16 Christian churches from a number of denominations around the city and state. The senior minister of Edge Church, Danny Guglielmucci, noted that the Christian Churches of South Australia wanted to provide a brighter environment for South Australian families in their time of need. He noted that he desired to see the Christian church involved in the community on both Sunday and Monday, and this was one example of how churches in South Australia can do 'Monday church'. The renovation has had a remarkable impact on hospital staff and families using the Paediatric Outpatients Clinic.

The project followed the $500,000 refurbishment of the hospital's accommodation block in 2006. Churches of South Australia also raised the funds and provided the voluntary labour needed to complete that significant program. It also follows a similar joint venture in which church volunteers refurbished the Women's Prison at Northfield. These ventures have served to inspire churches around Australia and the world to renovate other public facilities in their own communities, such as schools and prisons. They are something of which the State of South Australia can be proud. It is incredible what can be achieved in a short period when people join together for a specific project and give their time and resources. This is not only of benefit to the community but also it builds community within the participating group of people.

I believe it is appropriate that this council be made aware of the excellent work being done by Edge Church International. This church has recently expanded to other church campuses, with Edge Church City at Wayville and Edge Church West at Hendon, and I trust that the council wishes them the very best as they continue their valuable work in the community.