After more than four years of dedicated local fundraising, the Maryborough community has celebrated the official opening of the Maryborough Aeromedical Transfer Station (MATS).
Ambulance Victoria Maryborough Team Manager Mark Passalick said the opening on 9 December 2022 was a historic day for all of the community who helped make this transfer station a reality.
"This project is a testament and lasting legacy to the remarkable community spirit of Maryborough and to Dianne Mullins (dec) Chairperson of the MATS committee," Mr Passalick said.
"Countless hours of fundraising and planning have delivered a facility that will make a real difference to the Maryborough and district community to improve the health outcomes and the lives of patients for generations to come.
Maryborough and surrounding community raised a total of $120,000 for the transfer station.
The facility will provide a safe and secure environment where patients from Maryborough and district communities can be treated and transferred quickly, from road ambulance to emergency aircraft, ahead of transport to specialist hospitals.
"Previously, we transferred serious medical cases in difficult hot, windy and dusty conditions at Maryborough Aerodrome," Mr Passalick said.
"This really drove home the need for an enclosed facility to support the marvellous work of our paramedics and mobile intensive care air ambulance paramedics
"It's fantastic to now have a safe and secure indoor space protected from the elements that will improve how paramedics treat and manage patients awaiting air ambulance transport to specialist medical care.
"We again thank all of Maryborough and the surrounding community, sponsors, local community groups, individuals, businesses and trades people for their remarkable generosity. It's something the whole community should be proud of."
