Healthy boost for town

Newdegate's first dedicated multipurpose medical centre is just months away from opening its doors after six years of planning.

Shire president Len Armstrong said the big day was planned for March and the centre would provide a range of medical services for the local community.

It will include a child health and doctor surgery, a nurses work area, a waiting room and reception, a home and community care room, toilets, a kitchen and an ambulance carport.

Visiting health professionals including dieticians, psychologists, physiotherapists, dentists and podiatrists will be able to use the centre.

Mr Armstrong said the new centre meant local families would not have to travel to Lake Grace or further for medical appointments and would encourage the shop local premise.

"The medical centre is stage one of three for the Newdegate Rejuvenation project," Mr Armstrong said. "Stage two and three are in planning. We have two aged care units planned for 2012 and plans to use the town hall for stage three."

The rejuvenation of the town hall is to include a senior citizens centre.

The new medical centre has been made possible through a grant of $387,000 from Royalties for Regions, as well as $150,000 from the Newdegate Machinery Field Days committee.

Lake Grace Shire took out a loan for the remaining $223,000.