Despite the fact it is the first time local tradespeople have been asked to volunteer their time and skills to help build a Ronald McDonald house the response and support has been huge.

Eleven volunteers were involved in erecting the frames – supplied by Truss Frame – at 1.30pm yesterday.

By the end of today the fascia, gutter and batten roof are all expected to be finished in anticipation of the arrival of 30 volunteer bricklayers who will converge on the site on Saturday.

“A lot of the volunteers are brickies we know and their friends,” site supervisor Michael Trappel said.

During the course of Saturday the roof, plumbing and windows are also expected to be installed.

Mr Trappel said while there had been some initial difficulties in trying to co-ordinate building materials over the weekend, it was all coming together.

“The roof is planned to go on, on Sunday night so the plasters can come in on Monday,” Mr Trappel said.

If all goes to plan Mr Trappel said the house will be at lock up stage late on Monday after the plasterers have worked their magic.

One hundred experienced building industry workers are expected to lend a hand at the site over the course of the weekend.

Community events including a radio broadcast from the site throughout the course of today.

A community barbecue and a visit from Rodney the Clown are planned onsite from 2pm on

Saturday with all proceeds donated to the house.

On Sunday families are being asked to drop by and show their support to the volunteers involved in the construction.

Mr Trappel said it was anticipated Tamworth’s Ronald McDonald House would be officially opened in September.

When complete the house will be able to host up to four families of seriously ill children from across the region who require treatment in Tamworth.

They will all have rooms with their own ensuites, the house will also contain a playroom, lounge room, dining and kitchen facilities and volunteer’s accommodation.