Ballarat skyline changes as last tower crane leaves BBHR site

The Ballarat skyline will soon look a little different, with the final tower crane expected to be dismantled this weekend (weather dependent) from the $655 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment site, marking another milestone in the region’s largest infrastructure project. 

For the past 14 months, three tower cranes have stood above the redevelopment site, helping shape the new seven-level hospital tower that will deliver a new emergency department, new theatre suite and an additional 100 inpatient and short-stay beds.

The last crane to leave the site is Josie the Crane, named in honour of former nurse, educator and volunteer Josie Ashmore, whose decades of service and ongoing commitment to patient care continue to make a lasting difference across Grampians Health.

Chief Redevelopment and Infrastructure Officer Veronica Furnier said the departure of the final crane would signal an important transition for the project.

"Tower cranes have been a defining feature of the Ballarat skyline throughout construction and have become a visible symbol of the progress being made on this once-in-a-generation redevelopment," Ms Furnier said.

"With the final crane to be removed, the focus will now shift to the fit-out of the interior of the new tower including the installation of wall partitions, plastering and flooring."

Ms Furnier said it was fitting that the final crane to leave the site carried the name of a person whose contribution to healthcare has been defined by compassion, service and generosity.

"Josie dedicated her career to caring for others, mentoring staff and improving patient experiences," Ms Furnier said.

"Even after retirement, she saw an opportunity to make a difference and acted on it. Her handmade drain bags have provided comfort, dignity and practical support to thousands of patients over many years.

"Like the redevelopment itself, Josie's legacy is about improving outcomes and experiences for people when they need care the most."

Josie commenced her nursing career at Grampians Health, then known as Ballarat Health Services, in 1969. She worked across the Queen Elizabeth Centre before moving to Jack Lonsdale Lodge, where she served as a Charge Nurse and Nurse Unit Manager. In the final years of her career, she worked as a Clinical Nurse Educator in Aged Care.

Following major abdominal surgery more than a decade ago, Josie identified a simple but important way to support patients during their recovery. After noticing there were no fabric cover bags available to discreetly hold surgical drains and tubes, she began making them herself.

Since then, she has handmade and donated more than 2300 bags to Grampians Health's Wound Care team.

Ms Ashmore said she was honoured to have had one of the redevelopment's tower cranes named after her.

"When I first heard a crane was going to carry my name, I was completely surprised," Ms Ashmore said.

"There are so many wonderful people across Grampians Health who dedicate their lives to caring for others, so it was very humbling to receive that recognition."

"I've always believed that small acts of kindness can make a big difference to someone's experience in hospital. The drain bags were a simple idea, but they helped people feel more comfortable and maintain their dignity during recovery."

Three tower cranes were named following a staff vote to recognise Grampians Health people whose valued aligned with Grampians Health’s and whose contributions have made a lasting impact on patients, staff and the community.

The Ashton and Grant Crane, named after Undergraduate Clinical Placement Coordinator and Registered Nurse Ashton Kline and Switchboard Operator and Kidney Health Australia Ambassador Grant Monks, was dismantled in March.

Wasek Crane, named after Associate Professor Wasek Faisal in recognition of his contribution to cancer care, research and innovation, was removed in August.