Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre gets funding
AN UNEXPECTED $18 million in state government money will go to Olivia Newton-John’s cancer research centre in Heidelberg, allowing Victorians access to a specialised machine for the first time.
VIC News
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OLIVIA Newton-John’s Cancer Wellness and Research Centre has received an unexpected $18m boost from the Victorian Government.
The surprise funding was announced by Premier Daniel Andrews this morning and will fund new technology to fight deadly cancers.
Newton-John said it was a delightful surprise.
NEWTON-JOHN “WINNING OVER CANCER”
“I only found out about this 10 minutes ago,” she said.
“I am so thrilled. I can’t wait to see what we can do.”
Up to $8 million will go toward a new MRI-linac machine, which will allow doctors to target tumours with greater precision.
The remaining $10 million will fund research into brain cancer.
The funding was in the 2018/19 State Budget and will be provided from next year.
Mr Andrews said he was proud to provide the opportunity for better patient care.
“Like most Victorians, I’ve lost someone I love to cancer,” Mr Andrews said.
“Our investment in the ONJ Centre will help patients get better, more targeted treatment and bring us one step closer to finding a cure.”
Health Minster Jill Hennessy said it was a big step for Victoria and would revolutionise patient care.
“It means that for the first time in Victoria, that Victorians will have access to an MRI-linac machine”,” she said.
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