Praise for community

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has praised community efforts that led to the State Government providing an additional $1.6-million for a Wimmera Cancer Centre project.

Ms Kealy said while the news was fantastic, it was disappointing it had needed such an extensive campaign to make it happen.

“It’s been a long wait and this funding, that should have been delivered months ago, caused unnecessary deep concern for local people,” she said.

“Thanks to a successful community campaign, the Wimmera Cancer Centre is now going to be a reality with the additional money announced in the State Budget.

“This funding means the Wimmera Cancer Centre is not at risk of being built as a staged project and will ensure that dialysis and palliative care services are included.

“I cannot express how deeply proud I am of our local communities who have campaigned and continued their fundraising efforts, and for those who signed my petition to support the Wimmera Cancer Centre.”

Ms Kealy lobbied heavily in State Parliament with a community petition for the government to provide extra money, drawing on Health Minister Jill Hennessy’s pledge to make up a shortfall.

“The immense community support and local fundraising efforts for the Wimmera Cancer Centre project have been inspiring and every effort deserves to be congratulated,” Ms Kealy said.

“It is truly a credit to our local communities, who have demonstrated through their actions and generosity their strong support for this vital project.

“Well done to everyone involved. Our united local voice has made a real and meaningful difference to our great part of the state.”