I suppose I can just about call myself a local, it was 50 years ago this year that I drove my trusty Holden ute up from the big smoke (Sydney) to Moree to build a new 90-bed hospital.
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The contractor was A W Edwards and the architects were Robert Armstrong and Associates and the approximate cost was $1 million.
The reason I reminisce about this now is because I have heard that the Renal Unit extension is going to cost $2 million.
Not that I am surprised, when I came here in 1968 a schooner cost 20 cents, counter lunch at the "Vic" was 40 cents or 60 cents if you could afford a steak.
My wage as a leading hand was $140.00 and I paid $12.00 a week rent for my flat.
I was telling an old plumber friend before I left Sydney where I was going and he said, "you know what young Jack, you will meet a lovely country girl and never move back to Sydney" I said "don't be so bloody ridiculous" but of course he proved to be spot on.
For that I will be forever grateful as Moree is still a great country town and we raised two gorgeous daughters here.
READ MORE: Thank you doctors for saving my life
Construction duly started and I was lucky enough to work with local contractors such as John Gillan (plumbers), Tom Blackburn (electricians) Tony Spillsbury (painters) Bill Tait (plasterers) Bon Reid (joinery) and Stan Taylor (concrete supplies).
I then went on to be a building contractor in Moree for the following 20 years and work with most of these tradesmen.
Needing a change I then opened Jack's Takeaway in the main street which I managed for the next 20 years.
My beautiful wife Yvonne has recently had the misfortune to be a patient at this hospital for almost 5 months (home now) and we would both like to thank the staff, nurses and doctors for the exemplary and compassionate care she received whilst there.
Jack de Jager currently live in Moree
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