Cancer Council SA new building officially opens its doors

Cancer Council SA joined with Minister for Health and Wellbeing the Hon Chris Picton MP today to officially open their new, integrated cancer building at 202 Greenhill Road today.

The building, which combines 120 rooms of supported accommodation alongside cancer research, prevention and support services, is the first of its kind in the country and will bring all of Cancer Council SA’s services and supports under one roof.

Cancer Council SA Chief Executive Kerry Rowlands said the building will help to reduce the rate and impact of cancer for generations to come.

“Through providing state of the art accommodation alongside our full range of services and supports, all under one roof, we are ensuring that not only regional South Australians, but all South Australians impacted by cancer, have every chance to survive their diagnosis,” she said.

“We’d like to thank the State Government and all our supporters for their generosity, which has made this building possible.”

“We are incredibly proud to open the doors to our new building today and look forward to seeing the building have a positive impact on the lives of all South Australians affected by a cancer diagnosis.”

The state-of-the-art building is supported by a $10 million grant from the State Government alongside generous donations from the South Australian community, with Minster for Health and Wellbeing, the Hon Chris Picton MP joining Cancer Council SA today to officially open the new building.

Minister Picton said that the State Government was proud to support this important project that will make a difference to the South Australian community.

“This new facility will enable Cancer Council SA to adapt to meet the future needs of people impacted by cancer by improving health outcomes for all South Australians, especially those in regional and remote communities.”

For regional people travelling to Adelaide for treatment, like Ken Vlatko from Menindee, support from Cancer Council SA has been invaluable throughout his treatment.

Ken has been staying at Cancer Council SA’s supported accommodation since March 2022 when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Ken’s treatment includes chemotherapy, and twice weekly visits to hospital. He says that without support from Cancer Council SA, he simply wouldn’t have been able to receive his life-saving treatment.

“My cancer is quite rare, so when I was diagnosed, I knew that my small town didn’t have the medical support I needed. Leaving home, friends and family was hard, but having somewhere to stay like Cancer Council SA’s supported accommodation made all the difference,” he said.

“Every staff member here is an absolute angel. The service they provide is just amazing. Whether it’s taking me to treatment, providing food or just being a listening ear, it really is a home away from home.”

“I also find real comfort in being around other people who are going through the same experience. I’m so grateful to Cancer Council SA for providing such an important service for people like me.”

Cancer Council SA’s new building, which is located on 202 Greenhill Road Eastwood will provide support for the next generation of South Australians impacted by cancer.

For more information on the new building, including booking and making a donation visit cancersa.org.au/support/cancer-council-greenhill-lodge-accommodation.