Local Students help ‘Name the Crane’ at Ipswich Hospital Expansion Project

As part of a community-focused initiative, local school students were invited to take part in the construction journey by naming the three tower cranes on site – leaving a lasting legacy and a meaningful connection to the project.

The “Name the Crane” competition, launched by West Moreton Health (WMH) in partnership with project builder BESIX Watpac, invited students from selected local schools to submit their most imaginative names for the cranes currently working on the major hospital expansion.

Following weeks of vibrant entries and enthusiastic participation, a judging panel made up of representatives from Queensland Health, West Moreton Health and BESIX Watpac selected three winning names:

·         ‘Moonlight’ by Victoria from Immaculate Heart School

·         ‘Ipsy Dipsy’ by Isabella from St Mary’s Primary School

·         ‘Helping Hand’ by Elliott from Ipswich Special School

A special on-site event was held to unveil the crane names, attended by the winning students.

West Moreton Health Major Capital Program Director Mitchell Petersen said the competition was a fun, engaging way for local students to be part of the Ipswich Hospital expansion project.

“Congratulations to Victoria, Isabella and Elliott for being chosen as our winners and for putting so much time, energy and imagination into their entries,” Mr Petersen said.

“The quality and creativity of all entries was truly remarkable and the judges had an incredibly difficult time selecting just three winners.

“The Ipswich Hospital expansion is a vital project for the future of the West Moreton community and it’s been wonderful to give our entrants a chance to be a part of it.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to BESIX Watpac and Queensland Health for working with us to bring this exciting competition to life.”

Stage 2 of the Ipswich Hospital expansion includes 200 new beds, a new Emergency Department and expanded services.

BESIX Watpac General Manager for Queensland, Northern Territory and New Zealand, Wade Cummins, said the student-named cranes are playing a vital role in the hospital’s construction.

“BESIX Watpac is delighted to have worked with West Moreton Health and Queensland Health on this heart-warming community initiative,” he said.

“Moonlight, Ipsy Dipsy, and Helping Hand - each capable of lifting up to 8 tonnes - will be instrumental in delivering the new 12-storey Acute Services Building.

“The BESIX Watpac team continues to make excellent progress, working collaboratively with Queensland Health and all stakeholders to ensure we deliver a best-in-class facility for the community.”

The creative crane names will be displayed on signs just outside the construction site for the public to see.