Mildura Health Foundation was established to improve access to health care for people across our region, with a particular focus on supporting patients and families affected by cancer. Its first major project, the Dr. Julie Zrna Centre, has already shown what is possible when the community comes together to respond to a real local health need.

The Foundation is now considering its next major opportunity: supporting the establishment of PET/CT scanning services in Mildura. A PET/CT scanner combines two advanced imaging technologies in one scan. The CT scan shows the body’s internal structures, while the PET scan shows how tissues and organs are functioning at a cellular level. Together, they help specialists detect cancer, assess whether it has spread, monitor treatment effectiveness and identify recurrence. The Mildura Health Foundation has set a fundraising target of $6million to purchase the PET/CT scanner.

For many cancer patients, PET/CT scans are an important part of diagnosis, treatment planning and ongoing care. At present, many people from Sunraysia, the Mallee, Far Western New South Wales and South Australia must travel long distances to access this service. This can be physically exhausting, emotionally stressful and financially difficult, particularly for patients who are already unwell and may need a carer or family member to travel with them.

Bringing PET/CT scanning to Mildura would move the region closer to truly comprehensive cancer care close to home. It would allow more patients to access diagnosis, treatment planning, monitoring and follow-up care locally, reducing travel and helping families stay connected to their clinical team and support networks.