Children first to benefit from Lane Cove Tunnel construction

Children's wards across Sydney have been the first to benefit from the construction of the Lane Cove Tunnel when a gala dinner held in the tunnel December 1st raised over $350,000 for the purchase of vital paediatric medical equipment.

Tunnel construction company, Thiess John Holland, joined forces with the Humpty Dumpty Foundation to stage a dinner for 420 people inside the westbound section of the tunnel. Humpty Dumpty Foundation Chairman, Mr Paul Francis said, "We are delighted by the tremendous support of Thiess John Holland and the many companies associated with the project."

"The money raised will allow the Humpty Dumpty Foundation to provide equipment to additional hospitals including St George and Sutherland Hospitals," said Mr Francis.

Hospitals to receive equipment include Royal North Shore Hospital; Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, The Children's Hospital at Westmead; Hornsby; Mt Druitt; Manly; Ryde; Mona Vale Hospitals and St George and Sutherland Hospitals.

Paediatric specialist from Royal North Shore Hospital, Dr Martin Kluckow said," the generosity of these construction companies means sick children will benefit immediately as every dollar is earmarked for the purchase of life saving medical equipment."

Equipment purchased last night included two $30,000 intensive care monitoring systems which are the most essential pieces of equipment for stabilising and maintaining the health of our sick and fragile infants," Dr Kluckow explained.

Thiess John Holland was joined by MPs, the Mayors of Ryde, Lane Cove, Willoughby and Hunters Hill; Chairmen and senior executives of parent companies Leighton Holdings, Thiess, John Holland; tunnel operator Connector Motorways, and a large number of consultants, subcontractors and supplier companies.