New Nazareth House building to big finale

When work began on the new $15 million facility in March 2004, Sister Mary had no building experience.

Twelve months down the track and this sister is a seasoned professional and wearing her hard hat is second nature.

"I got over the embarrassment of wearing that hard hat a long time ago," Sr Mary said.

Donning our hard hats and fluoro vests, photographer Robert Chappel and I joined Sr Mary for a Cook's tour of the soon-to-be completed complex.

The new reception area will become a community meeting place and has been designed along the lines of an "arcade or mini-mall".

Within that area will be a kiosk, hairdressing salon, sitting room and nearby are rooms for pastoral care and visiting consultants, such as doctors and

podiatrists.

Close to that was an outside area set aside for recreation and physio activities, with a pathway connecting it to other areas of the new facility.

Then our tour progressed towards the new living quarters for the 90 residents, which will all have an individual look, with different colours and features throughout.

Sr Mary paid tribute at this point to the diligence and attention to detail of interior designer Tricia Shield, who had worked closely to ensure the needs put forward by the sisters of Nazareth were adhered to.

All rooms have their own ensuite and have been built to nursing home

standards.

Sr Mary was full of praise for the efforts of the builders, architects and designers who "have all worked so well together".

"They don't do anything without us knowing," Sr Mary said.

Each of the new wings has a large, comfortable lounge area, and a kitchenette for the use of visitors.

The fourth wing of the new building is designated for independent living for retired priests and sisters.

A walkway links the two areas of the building for the convenience of staff, residents and visitors.

While walking the halls of the new building, Sr Mary acknowledged the efforts of those people who built the existing Nazareth House, and for the "wonderful support of the Tamworth and district community" since the sisters of Nazareth came to the city.

"I am so pleased for the residents. I think of each one as if they were my own mum and dad and what they would like," she said.