Government to support Variety Club fund-raising 'Bash'

24/3/95

The State Government and the Variety Club will become 'joint venturers' in a $2 million plan to upgrade children's facilities at two hospitals.

Health Minister Graham Kierath said that the work at Kalgoorlie Regional and Fremantle hospitals was made possible by the Variety Club's offer of $850,000 to be raised during this year's annual Bash.

"We will be able to fast track these projects and improve the quality of life for young patients on the Goldfields and south of the river," the Minister told guests at the launch of the Bash.

"In Kalgoorlie alone, more than 2,000 children under the age of 15 are admitted to the hospital every year.

"Another 300 have to be transferred to Perth.

"This joint venture between the Government and Variety will mean that a third of these patients will no longer have to come to Perth for treatment."

The annual Bash (this year it will be from Perth to Kalgoorlie) is the Variety Club's major fund-raiser.

The Minister said the Club's contribution to Princess Margaret Hospital, CampVariety and to other organisations and events had been outstanding.

Its contribution of $500,000 would mean new equipment and facilities for Kalgoorlie.

"There is a heavy demand on the taxpayers' dollar for health, education, police and other areas of the social spectrum," Mr Kierath said.

"The Kalgoorlie work has been on the waiting list.

"The Government will now add the remaining $700,000 to Variety's $500,000 to fast-track the project."

Mr Kierath said the Fremantle children's ward and ancillary facilities would cost a further $860,000.

It was a hospital initiative and had not been presented for consideration in the Health Department annual budget.

However, Variety was prepared to contribute $350,000 to get the work moving.

As a result, the Government would match the hospital's own commitment dollar-for-dollar to raise the remaining $500,000.

"The modernising of the children's ward will be of great benefit," Mr Kierath said.

"The Fremantle Hospital serves not only the children of its own immediate region but those from the South-West as well."

Mr Kierath congratulated Variety for its idealistic and determined commitment to helping children and the less fortunate in society.

"The Government and the people of Western Australia owe the organisation a great deal," he said.

Media contact:  Brian Coulter 481 2133  /  222  9595