A national award has been given to Bendigo nurse

An oncology nurse who works at the Bendigo Health’s Cancer Wellness program has been recognised with a national award for fundraising.

Bendigo oncology nurse Jenna Sing has been named Fundraising Champion of the Year at a national award ceremony.

Ms Sing works at Bendigo Health’s Cancer Wellness program and dedicates her free time to attracting donations for the Gobbe centre.

“It is lovely to be recognised as the Fundraising Champion of the Year,” she said.

“However it is the generosity of our community that really needs to be acknowledged here.”

National Fundraising Champion Jenna Sing, of Bendigo, collects her award. Picture: Supplied

The wellness centre is funded entirely through donations and provides oncology massage, reflexology and counselling.

The Bendigo Health Fundraising Foundation is preparing for its next major event — the Bendigo Community Gala Ball — to be held on June 17 at the Red Energy Arena.

It will be hosted by McKean McGregor and will include a silent auction.

Last year’s event raised $141,281.

Outgoing chair of Bendigo Health’s Fundraising advisory board Dianne Foggo, who is handing over the reins to Trevor Elliott this week, said a new strategy laid out the steps to growing the wellness centre.

She said there were plans to expand the wellness programs within the Gobbe centre.

“We will build additional patient accommodation and raise funds to build a dedicated paediatric rehabilitation playground,” Ms Foggo said.

“I am incredibly proud to have led a team of dedicated and passionate community members who share a vision to support Bendigo Health to provide excellent care to every person, every time.”

The forward strategy outlines a goal to increase the foundation’s revenue by 10 per cent each financial year, to continue to provide important equipment and services for patients.

The plan, which covers the next three years, has also flagged ambitious targets leveraging the Commonwealth Games.

“We will work with the City of Greater Bendigo to identify suitable events that fulfil a dual purpose of entertaining visitors while raising funds for Bendigo Health,” the plan states.