Far Northerners will benefit from a re-elected Turnbull-Joyce Government with the announcement today of a $1.5 million commitment to the COUCH Cancer Help & Wellness Centre.
Minister for Rural Health, Fiona Nash today joined Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch, to announce the commitment, which will be life-changing for cancer patients across the Far North.
“Statistics show that people with cancer in regional areas are 35 per cent more likely to die within five years of diagnosis than patients in larger cities, and for some cancers, remote patients are up to 300 per cent more likely to die within 5 years of diagnosis,” Mr Entsch said.
“The aim of COUCH is to improve these statistics for the people of Far North Queensland.
“The construction of the Cancer Help & Wellness Centre – with its focus on post-treatment care – will increase the likelihood that local people will beat and survive cancer.
“I’d like to congratulate Charlie and Pip Woodward for their vision for COUCH and all the incredibly hard work that has gone into this project by their team, and also commend the Cairns community for their support of the charity.”
The Woodward Family has donated land to COUCH on Reservoir Road, where a Health Care Precinct will be situated. A quarter of this area will become the COUCH Cancer Help & Wellness Centre, with the funding to be used to construct the main reception building, four pagodas and essential utilities.
The Wellness Centre will be set amongst a natural forest setting to create a tranquil healing and wellness experience.
“Patients with a life-threatening illness require both physical and emotional care,” Minister Nash said.
“Patients will have access to treatments and services onsite, including counselling, exercise, massage, nutrition and diet advice, acupuncture, art, music and gardening.
“Existing services like the Bloomhill Cancer Care facility on the Sunshine Coast and new services such as the COUCH Cancer Help & Wellness Centre here in Cairns, are essential as they allow patients in regional areas to have access to holistic treatments, while battling cancer.”
The Turnbull-Joyce Government is dedicated to building stronger communities across Australia.
“By investing in projects such as the COUCH Cancer Help & Wellness Centre, we are providing better health care services to the electorate of Leichhardt,” Minister Nash said.
“Living in and representing Far North Queensland, Warren is a passionate advocate for regional and rural issues, especially those which help to bridge the city-country divide,” Minister Nash ended.
