THE Orange building industry will receive a boost in the coming months, with up to 30 contractors set to be involved in the building of Ronald McDonald House.
Contracts will be awarded to construct the $5 million facility after tenders are advertised next week.
Mick Fabar Constructions will build the house, working with local contractors.
Work on the house was supposed to start early last year, however, problems with the lease of the land delayed the project.
Mr Fabar hopes to get as much done as possible before winter sets in.
“Obviously with the tenders going out there are still quite a lot of things to be sorted but now we’ve got the green light and it is all systems go,” he said.
Mr Fabar said many contractors had indicated their interest in being involved with the project prior to the delays.
“Many of them have indicated they are still keen to go and be involved,” he said.
Mr Fabar said the turnaround time with the tender process would be as quick as possible to avoid further delays.
Ronald McDonald House Orange chair Joanne Lewis said the imminent start of the project was testament to the support received from around the region, in the form of donations from individuals and organisations, however, there was still a shortfall in funding.
“We need about another $1 million,” she said.
“We still have people, like retirees who are giving money to us every month because they have had a grandchild at Ronald McDonald House.
“Their donations, along with all the others, are so heartfelt and very humbling.”
The Ronald McDonald House is a $5 million project
* This does not include furniture, and fittings.
* Electrolux in Orange has pledged to supply all the whitegoods for the house.
* Sealy Posturepedic is donating eight king-sized beds and 48 king singles with ongoing support pledge.
* LazyBoy is donating all the lounge furniture for the house as well as recliners.
* Stage 1 and 2 consists of 20 rooms, accommodating up to six people.
* Two self-contained areas are included in the design for families with children who cannot use communal areas due to immune problems.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au