With these words, Federal minister for health and ageing Nicola Roxon yesterday announced $6 million in funding to the University of Newcastle to build a multi-purpose education centre for medical, nursing and allied health students at Manning Hospital.

Establishment of the Manning Education Centre will consolidate Taree as the second major site for the joint University Department of Rural Health and Rural Clinical Schools.

It will allow for an expansion in the number of clinical training places available to medical, nursing and allied health students in Taree, through a joint venture with the University of Newcastle and the University of New England.

It is due for completion on land adjacent to the existing hospital by 2010. The exact site has not been decided, however several are under consideration in and around the existing hospital precinct.

An added bonus, Ms Roxon said, is that it is likely to lead to better health and medical services for families right along the NSW coastal region between Newcastle and Port Macquarie.

Greater Taree City councillor David West, one of two Taree community members on the university's Department of Rural Health advisory committee, described yesterday's announcement as "extraordinarily exciting for Taree and the Manning".

"This is incredibly important for Taree, and in my view puts us streets ahead of Port Macquarie as far as recognising Manning Hospital as a regional hospital."

Cr West is also a member of the area health advisory board, and has had the opportunity of visiting a similar education centre attached to Tamworth Hospital.

"It has a library, major education theatres, clinical training rooms including a set-up where medical students can respond to any clinical scenario presented them in training. It's a hands-on facility which provides a wonderful level of education."

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