The official proceedings commenced with an address by Murrumburrah-Harden District Hospital Nursing Manager, Belinda Downey who took the opportunity to welcome the guests and to thank everyone involved, for all the work that they have done in raising the funds and also the community for their support of the fundraising efforts. Mrs Downey also thanked the hardworking Peter Beal who constructed the veranda.

Special guest, Gloria Schultz was called upon to perform the official opening duties, a task that she said she was delighted and honoured to perform.

Gloria described the Nursing Home and its new veranda as a wonderful facility that will provide a space for the staff, the residents and their families to enjoy for many years to come.

Gloria also said that the project demonstrates that contrary to recent negative headlines in the national press, the people in Harden care, “Harden is not dying, it has a big heart which is clearly demonstrated by the community efforts shown here today. I urge the bureaucrats to take notice, that Harden does care and Harden residents will fight for what they believe in”, Mrs Schultz said.

Rev Don Jamieson then delivered a prayer, blessing the new structure, those who helped to make it possible and all the residents and staff of the Hospital and Nursing Home.

Following the cutting of the ribbon by Mrs Schultz, the sound of bagpipes filled the air as Les Graham resplendent in traditional Scottish dress made his way around the front of the veranda and up to the stage area. The Scottish theme was the nursing home residents theme of the month, with many residents and helpers donning tartan for the celebrations.

After the official proceedings were finished, the guests in attendance joined the staff and residents of the nursing home for an afternoon tea.

The veranda will greatly enhance the lives of the residents of the Nursing Home, allowing them to now have the blinds on their windows opened during the day as well as offering a comfortable place to sit and relax.