Statement from the Chair
To our valued supporters.
As the newly appointed Chair of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust, I am writing to you during a period of important transition for our cancer services. I want to provide you with clarity and reassurance about what this means for our regional community who have so generously supported the Cancer Trust for many years.
Over the coming months, the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre will transition from a public/private partnership to a public model cancer service. This is a major development, and I understand that change in healthcare can cause concern among cancer patients, their families, and the broader community.
I want to be absolutely clear: the Cancer Trust remains committed to our vision that every person with cancer in our local community can access cancer care and/or support close to home and to their loved ones. The important programs and services that the Trust provides funding for throughout our region will continue uninterrupted during this transition period.
The Trust will continue to fully fund the Wellness Centre and its supportive care programs at the AWRCC. We will continue to fund research and clinical trials and to provide the opportunity for staff to further their knowledge through training opportunities, conferences, and scholarships. We will continue to provide funding for the purchase of new, life-saving medical equipment.
The Trust is also very proud to fully fund a Paediatric Cancer Care Coordinator through Albury Wodonga Health, as well as part fund another All Cancers Care Coordinator who supports the older generation. We know these positions have a significant impact on the holistic care provided to patients and their families going through cancer treatment.
All cancer service providers in the region are eligible to receive funding from the Trust. They include but are not limited to:
- Albury Wodonga Health (AWH)
- Border Medical Oncology (BMO)
- BMO Research Unit (BMORU)
- Ramsay Health Care
- Genesis Health Care
Therefore, we will continue to support the patients with cancer receiving care from these organisations, even if going forward they are located outside of the AWRCC.
The AWRCC Trust Fund is an independent local charity. We are governed by a local board of directors who all have a deep connection to our region and have been affected by cancer themselves, either directly or indirectly. We will continue to ensure that all donations from our community to the Cancer Trust are used wisely to improve cancer care and support in our local community. This will continue regardless of whether they are public or private patients and where they are receiving care. I acknowledge that periods of change require patience and understanding from everyone involved. All of us at the Cancer Trust are incredibly grateful to the dedicated healthcare professionals, staff, and volunteers who are continuing to care for local people with cancer and their families and support networks, during one of life’s most challenging journeys.
We are committed to keeping our community informed about the important work the Trust will continue to do to support ongoing improvements in cancer care and support in our community. Should you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Trust. Transparency and community engagement have always been cornerstones of our work, and that will not change.
Thank you for your continued trust and support of cancer services in the Albury Wodonga region. It is more important than ever!
We can’t wait to see you all at the Sunshine Walk on the 9th of November at Hovel Tree Park Albury. Whether you are walking 5, 10 or 20km, or even just donating to someone who is, you can be rest assured that your hard-earned money will stay 100% local and be used solely for the purpose of improving cancer services. I encourage you to join us once again in what is always a highlight in the Albury Wodonga calendar.
Yours sincerely,
Brad Robertson, CSC
Chair, Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust
