Shane O’Sullivan, who survived prostate cancer, said it was “fantastic news”.
Mr O’Sullivan was diagnosed 15 years ago, and is now on the committee for the Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch, an annual fundraiser that raises awareness for men’s health.
He recalled the difficulties he faced during his own treatment.
“I had to endure that transport into Melbourne for appointments,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“It’s a huge expense, it’s a day off work,” he said.
Mr O’Sullivan said the people supported by the Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch would “enjoy a stress-free time at the integrated cancer centre”.
Candidates and current members from the Victorian Coalition held a media conference in front of GV Health on the morning of Wednesday, October 7 to announce the pledge.
They were joined by Mr O’Sullivan and GV Health Foundation chair Stephen Merrylees.
Mr Merrylees said “it’s a great outcome”.
Mr Merrylees thanked supporters of the I Care for Cancer Care @ GV Health campaign and said the money raised through fundraising would go towards the facilities and additional enhancements.
GV Health Foundation director Amy De Paola said she was excited for the announcement.
“It will have a huge impact,” Ms De Paola said.
She said she would like to see other parties make the same pledge to ensure the centre was delivered regardless of what happened at November’s state election.
Nationals candidate for Shepparton Shane Sali praised the strong advocacy that led to this announcement.
“We do this for you, our community,” Mr Sali said.
Liberal leader Jess Wilson said the centre would be funded through the $24 billion of savings that her party had announced.
“A cancer diagnosis is hard enough, let along having to split that treatment over multiple spaces,” Ms Wilson said.
Greater Shepparton City Council welcomed the election commitment and described it as a significant milestone in a long-running community campaign.
Council listed the centre as one of its priorities for the state election.
In an information booklet, council described the lack of an integrated cancer centre in Shepparton as one of the two biggest gaps in Victorian healthcare access, with the other being the lack of a cardiac catheterisation laboratory.
Mayor Geoff Akers said the announcement followed years of advocacy that highlighted the inequity faced by cancer patients across northern Victoria.
“This is the first election commitment we have seen towards this project, and we welcome it as a positive step towards delivering the comprehensive cancer services our region deserves,” Cr Akers said.
“The need is real, and the impact will be transformational.
“Access to specialised healthcare should not depend on where you live.”
Cr Akers said council welcomed commitments from all candidates and political parties that aligned with the municipality’s priority projects, including additional commitments for an integrated cancer centre.
