The QEII Hospital Expansion was elevated to new heights as the four winning crane names were announced at an event in May.
The first crane arrived in April and the lift and stair cores of both the Clinical Services Building and the multi-level carpark are already erected and very visible.
With two cranes required for the Clinical Services Building and two for the multi-level car park, the QEII campus will certainly change rapidly over the coming months and years– and now they each have a name.
- Crane 1 – Cosmo Craner
- Crane 2 – Stan
- Crane 3 – Rainbow Serpent
- Crane 4 – Jay
Executive Director of QEII Hospital, Gillian Campbell said the Name the Cranes community and staff engagement activity had been very successful, with the stories behind the names resulting in a diverse and heart-warming selection of winning names that truly reflect the culture of QEII.
“With 119 votes from staff and volunteers, we are delighted that the myth, the man, the legend - Stan is the name of the first crane to be erected,” said Gill. “Stan Belas is a beloved volunteer at QEII and the name received many nominations in acknowledgement of his tireless dedication and commitment to volunteering at QEII.”
Congratulations to BreastScreen Executive Support Officer Glenda as the official staff and volunteer winner for choosing the name, Stan.
The generation X staff cohort also staked their claim on the name of the second crane to be erected with many suggesting Cosmo Craner in honour of the character from 2000’s TV show Seinfield.
Congratulations to Almir from Medical Records for securing the official win in a tight contest among other staff and volunteers to sign the name of the crane.
The third crane with the most adventurous name is Rainbow Serpent submitted by 9-year-old Josephine who was engaged and excited to support the Name the Crane competition.
“I love this name which is a real connection to Country and what these competitions are all about,” said Gill. “In her nomination, Josephine said Rainbow Serpent is a Dreamtime creature who held great power and gave shape to the Earth, just as this crane will bring lasting change to our community.”
Congratulations to community member Josephine on her winning name.
The fourth and final crane—and the largest onsite, helping build the new eight storey multi-level car park building—is named Jay after former QEII patient Jared. Gill said the hospital was delighted to host members of Jay’s family to add their messages of love to the sign for Jay.
“This submission struck a chord with voters who were proud to be part of Jay’s healthcare journey and honour him with this legacy as QEII Hospital grows bigger and better,” Gill said. “I would also like to acknowledge Eve for having the strength and courage to nominate her partner ‘Jay’ so that his name proudly flies high over the project,”
Congratulations to local community member Eve who submitted the name of her partner with 74 votes securing this win.
The signage containing signatures and messages from the winners and their namesakes has been installed to each crane for the length of the construction program.
The hospital looks forward to using the names to guide a lasting story of the expansion as the bigger QEII Hospital takes shape.
Metro South Health Executive and the Service Expansion Strategy and Planning team were pleased to have the engagement of State Member for Toohey, Peter Russo and project partners from Health Infrastructure Queensland, MACE and Managing Contractor Built Australia at the QEII Sign the Cranes event.
See our overview of the QEII Hospital Expansion and new multi-level car park at QEII here.