Local woman Jane Douch has started a campaign to restore a well known Young landmark to its former glory.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mrs Douch has set up a gofundme page and is calling on locals to donate and get the word out to achieve their financial goal by February 1, 2017.
Standing prominently on the edge of town, several unused buildings are located on the five-acre block of land that locals refer to as “The old Mercy Care site”.
The buildings consist of a chapel, a nun’s convent (c1934), a multipurpose building, a building that once housed nurses plus the old Mercy Care Hospital itself which was built in 1911 and was originally called the Sacred Heart Hospital.
This hospital was built by priests of St Mary’s Catholic Parish, in a concerted campaign supported by locals and many in the wider community of Young and district.
Mrs Douch’s crowd fund campaign will focus on the chapel, the nun’s convent, multipurpose/workshop building and the hospital site. She is asking for help to raise the funds needed to purchase the properties.
“The buildings are part of the history of Young and hold a sentimental place in the hearts of many,” she said.
“Unoccupied for over 13 years they have been for sale for quite some time. I am hoping to raise $3,000,000 to purchase the building and complete the renovations required to utilise the areas.”
Once purchased Mrs Douch hopes the property will be cared for by a not for profit, management entity of committed people with the highest of intentions.
“This facility will be purchased by the community, used by the community and will be administered by the community,” Mrs Douch said.
Mrs Douch said volunteer organisations, school groups and practitioners of well-being, will all find a place to lift the spirits of the community.
“I am asking the community to help secure the long-term future of the buildings and create a legacy for the town of Young,” she said.
“Once upon a time the locals of Young and further afield rallied to build the old hospital, so please open your hearts and donate to this worthy crowd-funded campaign and let’s bring this over 5 acre/2 hectare site back to life!”
To donate please go to Jane’s gofundme page at: https://www.gofundme.com/revive-the- heart-of- our-town
