MACQUARIE Towns Specialist Centre, in East Market Street for 25 years, officially opened at its new address last Friday evening.
Established by Dr Ravi Sahasrabuddhe, the business is now in new purpose-built premises at 41 March Street next to Richmond fire station.
About 40 people came to celebrate the opening.
Dr Ravi said he had received hundreds of requests for better access to the 20-specialist business when it was on East Market Street.
The building was raised and access was by significant steps or a long rampway.
The new building is on level ground.
‘‘It was really a very special day for me to see my dream come true of providing easy access for elderly and disabled clients,’’ Dr Ravi said.
Macquarie MP Louise Markus and Mayor Kim Ford were there, as was Shirley Moses, a former nurse and Dr Ravi client of 40 years, who gave a heartfelt speech at the launch.
‘‘Twenty-five years ago, Dr Ravi established the Macquarie Towns Specialist Centre to provide a broad range of specialist services for the people of the Hawkesbury,’’ she said.
‘‘Before this, people had to go to the bigger centres of Parramatta and Sydney to access care. First of its kind in the area, it now has over 20 different specialists, all because of Ravi’s tenacity. All of this would not have been possible without the efforts of Dr Ravi, a remarkable man with boundless energy who has worked hard to make a difference in people’s lives, both here in the Hawkesbury and in India through his countless fundraising efforts using his many talents.
‘‘No isn’t a word that’s in Ravi’s vocabulary. If he sees something that needs doing he’ll make sure it gets done.
‘‘It’s an honour and a privilege to open the new centre which will continue to be a great asset. On behalf of the people of the Hawkesbury, I’d like to say thank you to Dr Ravi, without whom life would be much more difficult.’’
