The Dr Julie Zrna Centre is now complete

The Foundation’s goal is to make a positive difference in the community and ensure those undergoing radiation treatment, have access to the very best facilities and are well-supported.

Following the establishment of Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre, it is essential we provide patients from outlying areas with easily accessible patient accommodation, walking distance to the 13th Street Health Precinct. Mildura Health Foundation has been established to raise funds through donations and grants, to build and operate 10 self-contained apartments.

The aim is to raise $5 million dollars. The patient accommodation supports our vision for Mildura to become the healthcare hub for cancer treatment and for regional people to have access to cancer care closer to home.

We are proud to say with the support of the community far and wide, we have raised the funds to build and construct the Dr Julie Zrna Centre.

In August 2025, the Centre was officially opened.

View the Dr. Julie Zrna Centre Photo Gallery from start to finish

Click here to view photo gallery

Silent Auction

Bid now to win Opal Jewellery

A set of stunning Australian opals are currently up for auction, with all proceeds going to assist with the Dr. Julie Zrna Centre's operational costs.

The opals have a truly heart-warming backstory - sourced from White Cliffs, NSW, by the late Mark Kooper, an opal prospector who lived in Merbein.

Mark lost his five-year battle with lung and brain cancer late last year, with his family donating the opal necklace and earring set to honour his memory. This auction is more than just a sale—it’s a tribute, a symbol of resilience, and an opportunity to make a real difference.

"Through this donation we are ensuring Mark’s legacy continues—not only in the timeless beauty of his opals but in the lives that will be touched by MHICC patients having a comfortable place to stay during treatment” - Mark's wife Pauline and daughter Jessie Kooper.

The silent auction runs until midnight on September 18. To place a bid, click the "bid here" link below:

Bid Here

Read the article here

You can make an impact

Your donations will help achieve great health outcomes for our community.

By donating to Mildura Health Foundation you are helping to support the operational costs of the Dr. Julie Zrna Centre.

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About Mildura Health Foundation

Keep up to date with the latest news

We want to keep our donors and community up to date with milestones.

Making a difference to cancer care in our region

Treatment

It is expected that over 500 patients will receive radiation treatment each year

Location

The Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre provides radiation treatment to patients from Sunraysia, the Mallee, Far West NSW and the Riverland.

Accommodation

Providing accommodation to patients who have to travel to receive radiation treatment is important to support the patients financial, social and emotion well-being.

FAQs

Why was the Foundation established?

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To fundraise to establish accommodation for patients receiving radiation treatment at the Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre (MHICC) and to support health projects and equipment purchases that improve health outcomes in the region. MHICC was opened in April 2023 and there was an immediate need to accommodate travelling patients from outlying regions. The Dr Julie Zrna Centre will provide comfortable accommodation within walking distance to MHICC. More than 450 patients have been treated at MHICC to date with improved health outcomes.

When was the Foundation established?

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19 May 2023.

What is the corporate structure?

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The Foundation structure is a company limited by guarantee with its objects and governance set out in a constitution.

Who governs the Foundation?

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A volunteer Board of six members with an appointed Corporate Secretary.

Is the Foundation a charity?

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The Foundation is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission (ACNC) and is a public benevolent institution. A PBI is a type of charity that is organised, conducted or promoted for the relief of poverty, sickness, destitution, helplessness, suffering, misfortune, disability or distress.

Are donations tax deductible?

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Yes, all donations above $2 are tax deductible as the Foundation has deductible gift recipient status as defined by the ATO

What is the relationship between the Mildura Health Foundation and the Mildura Health Fund?

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The Mildura Health Foundation is a separate corporate entity with its own ABN and externally audited financial statements that are lodged with the ACNC. The registered office of Mildura Health Foundation is 79 Deakin Avenue and the Fund provides professional and administrative services on an in kind basis to the Foundation.

What fundraising targets are in place for the Dr Julie Zrna Centre?

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The initial $5million target to purchase land and build the facility has been met. Fundraising is now focused on Stage Two – the annual operating costs of the Dr Julie Zrna Centre with a minimum target of $200,000 per year.

What is next for the Foundation?

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Health related projects that fit in with the objects of the charity will be considered.

Is the accommodation for both public and private patients?

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Yes, that is correct. Both private and public patients will have access to the accommodation when receiving Radiation Treatment and Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre.

When built, how much will it cost patients to stay?

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The goal is for the apartments to have minimal to no out of pocket costs after state government accommodation rebates.

View all FAQs

About Mildura Health Foundation

Mildura Health Foundation Limited is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not For Profit Commission.

The principle purpose is to "acquire, construct maintain and/or operate facilities for the provision of affordable temporary accommodation on a non-profit basis, for patients being treated at the Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre."