Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has welcomed the announcement that Gippsland Rotary Centenary House (GRCH) will receive $50,000 in funding from the Victorian Coalition Government to support major improvements at the facility.

“GRCH first opened in 2006 with six family units and has provided much-needed affordable accommodation for patients being treated for cancer at the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre,” said Mr Bull.

“The centre is a vital facility for Gippsland and especially people living in East Gippsland, with up to fifty four percent of patients attending the centre coming from this region.

“The emotional stress of undergoing cancer treatments and being away from home for extended periods is an additional burden for both sufferers and their families.

“Accommodation and facilities such as GRCH enable people undergoing treatment for cancer to have their loved ones close by, at a time when they most need their support.

“The Gippsland Cancer Care Centre (GCCC) located at Latrobe Regional Hospital is the region's only "one stop shop" for cancer care, providing comprehensive treatment in the areas of radiotherapy, oncology and chemotherapy.

Minister for Regional & Rural Development, Peter Ryan, said “funding from the Victorian Coalition Government would contribute to landscaping works as part of the Stage 2 development at the site.”

“The landscaping works, which are now underway, include pathways to form critical links between outdoor assets such as the gazebo/BBQ area, playground, gardens and to the hospital,” Mr Ryan said.

“With Stage 2 of the development nearing completion, the facility will have a total of 17 family units, including a community meeting and training room for hospital staff and this additional capacity will greatly benefit all communities within the Gippsland region,” Mr Bull said.