The centre was a long-time coming after many years of planning and fundraising. 

It was opened to its first patients near the end of January, but a community open day was organised for those curious to see the end result on Saturday and Sunday.  

Graeme Penver of Nhill travelled to Horsham for one of the community open days on Saturday. 

Words failed him when he took in the features of the long-awaited centre. 

”The only word I can think of is that this centre is unbelievable,” he said. 

Mr Penver had his treatment in Horsham awhile ago using the hospital’s old services.

Related: First patients receive consultations and treatment at Wimmera Cancer Centre 

He said the new centre was bright and not frightening, which was important when people need treatment.   

“I had my treatment in Horsham and they did the best they could,” he said. “But, I am so pleased that at long-last we have this centre because our community really needed this.

“It is important that we finally have a central location for a cancer centre and our communities don’t need to travel for treatment.”   

Wimmera Health Care Group’s chief executive Catherine Morley said the centre offered a “bright, spacious, airy and fresh” feel for patients accessing treatment. 

“the new space feels nicer for patients opposed to the old space – which was fine, but we now have more space and more colour,” she said. 

The oncology and dialysis treatment and the palliative care in the community service has transitioned over to the new building. 

Ms Morley said the wellbeing opportunities will be the next focus for the centre. 

“We want this centre to become more than just a place where people come for treatment,” she said. 

The money to build the centre came from both federal and state governments, along with donations from the community appeal, Rachael’s Wish. It is estimated that more than 900 individuals and organisations contributed to the appeal. 

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