The lasting benefits of strong regional advocacy backed by a Liberals and Nationals government prepared to give regional Victoria its fair share were on show when The Hon. Tony Abbott AC returned to Horsham on Friday to visit the Wimmera Cancer Centre he helped fund more than a decade ago as Prime Minister.
Member for Lowan and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Emma Kealy welcomed Australia’s 28th Prime Minister back to the region for a walkthrough of the centre, as well as a Student Leadership Forum with young leaders from across the Wimmera.
“It was wonderful to welcome Tony back and show him what has grown from 2015, when he announced $1 million in Commonwealth funding for the proposed Wimmera Oncology Unit, which became the Wimmera Cancer Centre,” she said.
“The centre is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when our community fights for something and we have a Liberals and Nationals government that listens and delivers.”
The funding backed an extraordinary community campaign, with local people raising $1 million towards better cancer care closer to home.
Ms Kealy, a first-term Nationals MP in Opposition at the time, fought alongside the community to secure the state government funding needed to make the project a reality.
“The real heroes of this story are the people of the Wimmera who donated, fundraised and fought so passionately for better cancer care,” Ms Kealy said.
“I was incredibly proud to fight alongside our community for the state funding, and Tony listened to our case and his federal government backed the project.
“It showed what can happen when a community refuses to give up and you have people in government who are prepared to act.
“We can fight hard and achieve things from Opposition, but there is so much more The Nationals can deliver for western Victoria when we are in government and sitting at the Cabinet table.”
The Student Leadership Forum at Wimmera Lutheran College’s Horsham campus on Friday afternoon gave student leaders and youth councillors from across western Victoria the opportunity to learn about Mr Abbott’s journey into politics, his time as Prime Minister, and some of the most difficult decisions and situations he faced in office.
“Supporting our next generation of leaders is one of the best investments we can make in the future of our region,” Ms Kealy said.
“Tony spoke candidly about leadership, challenges, and having the courage to stand up for what you believe in, even when it isn’t easy.
“I want young people growing up in the Wimmera to know their ideas matter, their leadership matters and there is no limit to what they can achieve.”
Ms Kealy said the visit was a reminder of what was at stake for regional Victoria at the November state election.
“The Nationals have delivered for western Victoria in government before, and we are ready to do it again,” she said.
“We have a positive plan to get back into government, deliver the investment and opportunities our communities deserve, and make sure western Victoria gets our fair share.”
Photo caption: The Hon. Tony Abbott AC and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy with Wimmera Lutheran College executive principal Jason Przibilla – left – WLC students and WLC deputy principal Kate Carter – right. Photo supplied by Wimmera Lutheran College.
