Cancer Council Queensland has opened the doors to its new $2 million Central Queensland Cancer Support Centre.

The centre will provide a home away from home for regional cancer patients who travel to Rockhampton for cancer treatment.

Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Council Queensland, Professor Jeff Dunn, said the centre will strengthen health services in the local region.

“Over the past decade, the pressures of population growth and an ageing population have increased the demand for cancer-related services in Rockhampton,” he said.

“The new centre will complement Queensland Health’s ongoing expansion of oncology services in the local region and will improve access to cancer screening, detection, treatment and support services for Central Queenslanders.”

Professor Dunn thanked the community and the Queensland Government for generously contributing to the cost of the centre.

“The Central Queensland community proudly played their part in helping us to complete this project, raising nearly $900,000 for the centre.

“Local businesses, such as The Rock Building society, made significant contributions alongside many individual donors who gave what they could afford.

“The centre also received the first funding grant under Queensland Health’s new patient accommodation funding scheme, which contributed $1 million in recognition of the centre’s importance to the local health district,” he said.  

The centre has eight short-term accommodation units adjacent to an education and support building.