Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead led the proceedings, with staff members of Manning Hospital and Indigenous elders in attendance.

Indigenous elder Aunty Wilma conducted the Welcome to Country before Mr Bromhead sealed the opening with the traditional cutting of a ribbon.

Mr Bromhead said that hospital staff, Indigenous elders and the community have been heavily involved in the consultation process of prioritising the construction of the 140 space carpark.

Sydney’s AW Edwards Construction were tasked with building the carpark.

Local businesses were used for the concrete portion of the project.

At the conclusion of the opening, Pastor Michael Dumas held a land dedication at the construction site for the new two-storey cancer treatment and renal dialysis facility.

Hospital staff and members of the community were also invited to inspect the site.

The centre will boast improved staff and patient amenities as well as clinical spaces to assist with providing care such as a treatment bay and consultation spaces.

The renal dialysis facility will have specially designed areas for home dialysis training purposes and will allow access to an ambulatory dialysis service in a purpose-built facility.

Mr Bromhead said the facility will allow patients to be treated without having to leave the area.

“Patients seeking treatment for kidney disease and cancer will be able to undergo their treatment with dedicated access and services to meet their ongoing clinical needs,” Mr Bromhead said.

The former carpark on High Street has been demolished to make way for the new site. 

A patient only carpark will be created underneath the facility.

The construction of the building is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

Both projects are a part of the $20 million Manning Hospital redevelopment.