AFTER more than a year of fundraising works on the Wimmera Cancer Centre should start early next year.
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The fundraising campaign Rachael’s Wish officially launch in June last year and so far the community has raised $855,102 of its $1-million target.
The state and federal governments have each contributed $1 million to the $3.5-million project.
Wimmera Health Care Group acting chief executive Mark Knights said the tally so far was the result of a lot of hard work.
“It is an amazing result so far,” he said.
“The response has been incredibly pleasing.
“To raise that amount of money from within the community in a relatively short period of time shows how important this project is and the support has been overwhelming.”
Mr Knights said many community groups had contributed to the tally.
“Donations have been received from Horsham and Wimmera communities with businesses, community groups and individuals contributing generously,” he said.
“Community support is still needed to reach our target and ensure our new centre can meet the increasing demand on our oncology services.”
Mr Knights said the support showed that people understood the importance of the Wimmera Cancer Centre.
“It really shows that people understand that cancer doesn’t discriminate,” he said.
“People are hearing the message that we need to improve treatment options in the Wimmera and southern Mallee.
“Our five-year survival rate for cancer is the worst in the state and the whole community is helping us try to improve that.”
Mr Knights said the centre was on track to be completed next year.
“In collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services planning is well underway with a number of design options and sites being reviewed,” he said.
“It is anticipated the project will start early next year, with a completion date later in the year.”
