September 23, 2011
The outstanding volunteer effort that has resulted in Rotary Centenary House becoming one of the most important facilities to Gippslanders receiving cancer treatment has been praised in Federal Parliament by The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mr Chester was speaking on a motion in recognition of the contribution that volunteer organisations make to regional communities.
He said Rotary Club volunteers across Gippsland have done an outstanding job to work with all levels of government and local businesses to raise funds and establish Centenary House.
“This organisation was established to provide accommodation for people as they attended the Latrobe Regional Hospital, normally for cancer treatment,” Mr Chester told Parliament.
“Rotary club volunteers from across Gippsland have done an outstanding job in terms of fundraising and were instrumental in establishing, with support from the previous Coalition Government and the former State Labor Government in Victoria, the first stage of this project that provides accommodation.
“The people of Gippsland have benefited for several years now from that work of the State and Federal governments, philanthropic organisations, local businesses and Rotary members. “
Mr Chester said Centenary House had ongoing bipartisan support with Stage Two nearing completion after receiving $1.5 million in Federal Government funding.
“While it is depressing that we need to build an additional nine units at Centenary House because demand is so high for cancer treatment at the Latrobe Regional Hospital, on the positive side it has also brought out the best of the Rotarians right across Gippsland,” Mr Chester said.
“Rotary members from clubs right across the Gippsland district have been fundraising again over the past 12 months.
“I would like to congratulate the organisers, Kay and Tony Radford, Carmen Cook and the rest of the fundraising team, along with the Chairman of Centenary House, Mr Ken Peake, his team and the House Manager, Carol Crewe, who does such a great job in accommodating Gippslanders at a time of great need in their lives.
“These are just a couple of examples of some great Australians, some great Gippslanders, who are setting an extraordinary example for our community.
“I think it further highlights the importance of volunteering to help others. I encourage Gippslanders who are interested in getting involved in community groups to join up and help make a difference in our community.”