After nearly seven years of planning, the sod-turning was a significant milestone witnessed by dozens of health and medical staff, community members, Orange councillors and residents.

They also saw the launch of the first Ronald McDonald Care Mobile in Australia, which will provide a unique health service to distant parts of western NSW.

Ronald McDonald House Orange chairperson Joanne Lewis said yesterday’s milestone was a huge achievement.

“It’s amazing, just wonderful. It has been a long time coming,” she said.

The Bloomfield site is the location for the 14th but first environmentally-friendly Ronald McDonald House in Australia.

It will consists of 20 units, each capable of housing a family of six.

It will also have a playground, communal rooms, education rooms, lounge areas and glass windows will be used throughout the interior.

Builder Mick Fabar from Mick Fabar Constructions said work should commence in July or August.

The centre will serve families from right across western NSW.

“This is a first-class facility for children and their families,” Ronald McDonald House Charities CEO Malcolm Coutts said.

NSW chief paediatrician Professor Les White (AM) said the Ronald McDonald House will be a “home away from home” for sick children and their families.

“The Ronald McDonald House and the care mobile are both wonderful initiatives,” he said.

Mrs Lewis said getting the Ronald McDonald House up and running was a community effort.

“It has been wonderful and very positive from the community,” Mrs Lewis said.

“If we single some out we would be doing everyone a disservice.

“Everybody who has put a gold coin in a box has as much ownership as some of us who have slugged it out for six-and-a-half years. Their intent is the same.”

The Ronald McDonald House will be completed towards the end of 2012.