Geoff Lyons (Bass, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise in the House today to speak about the Northern Cancer Support Centre, recently opened by the Governor of Tasmania, the Hon. Tanya Plibersek, and the Hon. Michelle O'Byrne. The centre is located in Launceston. It aims to enable those affected by cancer to access practical and emotional support when they need it. This is a $4.3 million project funded by Cancer Council Tasmania and the Australian and Tasmania governments as part of the Regional Cancer Centre project, supported by the federal Health and Hospitals Fund.

This state-of-the-art building is located within a short stroll from the Launceston General Hospital and WP Holman Clinic. It will be a place where there will be support for people diagnosed with cancer, and their families, friends and carers, through all stages of their cancer journey. The centre not only will assist with some of the more practical concerns of living with cancer but it will also seek to ease some of the emotions of a cancer diagnosis, through psychological support and advice in a caring environment.

This concept has the strong support of clinical leaders in cancer services for northern Tasmania, other cancer organisations operating in northern Tasmania, and the wider community. I understand that the centre and its programs will be guided by expert clinical advice to ensure the highest standard of care. I thank all those who have had a role to play in developing this magnificent centre for the electorate of Bass.