Years of tireless fundraising by the Rotary Club of Mildura Deakin has helped the Dr Julie Zrna Centre build come to fruition, with rotary volunteers this week handing over $50,000 to the Mildura Health Foundation.
The Dr Julie Zrna Centre is nearing completion and will ensure those who need to travel to undergo radiation treatment at Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre, can access suitable and comfortable accommodation at a low cost.
Since learning of the accommodation project and the positive impact it will have on members of the community, the rotary club’s volunteers jumped on board, making an early commitment to donate funds from numerous events including Mildura’s Longest Lunch, and proceeds from Christmas Giving Back Hampers over the past few years.
Rotary Club of Mildura Deakin President, Elvira Mazza, said the club was incredibly proud of the difference its fundraising efforts will make to the region’s radiation patients.
“The $50,000 donation to the Mildura Health Foundation towards the Dr Julie Zrna Centre is a testament to the generosity of our community and the dedication of our members,” Ms Mazza said.
“Knowing that we can help ease the burden on individuals and families navigating cancer treatment right here in our region is incredibly rewarding."
Ms Mazza said fundraising had come in all shapes and sizes, including from The Flying Rotarians, made up of rotarians from across the world.
The local rotary club treated The Flying Rotarians to an Aussie camp oven meal while in town which led to a conversation about the how difficult it can be to access healthcare in regional areas, and a subsequent donation from the group. This also resulted in a further donation from a rotary club in Texas, USA.
“This unexpected generosity opened up some fantastic opportunities to support our community, all because we said "g'day" and showed our visitors a good time,” Ms Mazza said.
Mildura Health Foundation chair Terry Hill said “the substantial fundraising efforts put in by the Rotary Club of Mildura Deakin was to be commended and would make the lives of many in the community undergoing radiation treatment, much easier”.
“Fundraising continues by the Foundation to secure the annual operating costs of the Dr Julie Zrna Centre and the support of rotary clubs in the region remains vital to the future of the Centre”.
The Dr Julie Zrna Centre is on track to open in the coming months with the finishing touches currently being put on the 10 apartments at 202-206 Thirteenth Street, Mildura.
The modern apartments have now been painted inside and out, all cabinetry installed, bathrooms fitted out, with landscaping currently underway.
