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THE Wimmera Cancer Centre will aim to provide treatment that not only extends the life of people with cancer, but enables them to continue to participate in their communities.
Construction for the $5.3-million Horsham centre – which will offer cancer treatment, dialysis and community palliative care – started in late January.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt turned a sod to officially mark the start of building work when he visited Horsham last week.
Wimmera Health Care Group board chairwoman Marie Aitken spoke at the sod-turning on Wednesday about the project’s history, and what the centre would mean for the Wimmera.
“The three services that will be located in these soon-to-be emerging walls will not just be about clinical treatment, but the new building and the people who will bring it to life will be concerned about the care of the whole person,” she said.
“Treatment is most effective when it not only extends life, but when it is an enabler – when it enables us to continue to participate in the things that are most important to us.”
Mrs Aitken said when the idea of a cancer centre was floated four years ago, the board had no idea of the support it would receive from the community and governments.
The community has raised more than $1.6 million for the centre through the fundraising campaign Rachael’s Wish.
The federal government contributed $1 million and the state government $2.6 million.
“Throughout this process our local people started telling us what they wanted. And not just that, they started driving the project,” Mrs Aitken said.
“I think it's fair to say the project has become bigger and better than the board and executive team ever imagined.
“This project is a living example of the power of engagement and community partnerships, as well as bipartisan government partnerships.”
Mr Hunt said the centre was about two things: taking care of people on their journey; and giving them the chance to have a better shot at surviving, and surviving well.
“By being able to give chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy – whether or not it's radiotherapy or other surgery here or in the city – it's the most noble of causes,” he said.
“Ours is a modest contribution compared with what the community has done. We acknowledge it and say thank you. You are amazing, and it is our absolute privilege to be able to support you in this way.”
The cancer centre is due to be completed in November.
