Community
20 March, 2026
Lions boost hospital appeal
SOUTH West Healthcare is $5,000 closer to its fundraising target for a breast tumour locator system thanks to a generous donation this week from the Koroit Lions Club.
The $120,000 community fundraising campaign was launched earlier this year by South West Healthcare’s community partnerships manager, Suzan Morey.
Accepting the $5,000 donation at the hospital on Tuesday afternoon, Ms Morey said she was absolutely thrilled with the club’s support of the appeal.
“This is a very generous donation and one that is greatly appreciated,” she said.
“So far this appeal has raised $24,240 which includes recent donations from the Anchor Point Line Dancers ($500), Warrnambool CWA ($1,000) and the Norfolk Warrnambool Ladies Probus Club ($50).”
Koroit Lions Club secretary Sue Frost said the group was thrilled to be able to give back to the community that has supported the op shop.
“Our shop in Koroit is very well supported by the local community and this donation is one way of giving back to those who support us,” Sue said.
“Unfortunately, breast cancer is something that affects so many of us, whether directly or indirectly, so this new piece of equipment will benefit many people across our community.
“We have some wonderful volunteers working in our Koroit op shop, both Lions club members and non-members, but we’re always looking for more – any help is greatly appreciated.”
To be located at the Warrnambool Base Hospital, the breast tumour locator system will help surgeons and radiologists precisely identify the location of impalpable breast lesions (lesions that cannot be felt by touch).
The precious of this equipment results in less invasive surgery for cancer patients facing a mastectomy or lumpectomy.
“There’s still a long way to go before we hit the 120,000 mark,” Ms Morey said.
“If anyone is linked to a business, club, family or workplace who could help us get there, we’d love to hear from them.
“In the meantime, there’s lots of community events also being organised to support this cause.”
Some of the upcoming events include ‘The Scrubbers and The Gasman’ Murray2Moyne cycle relay team (who will ride form Mildura to Port Fairy on March 28 and 29 – to sponsor contact Graeme Wines at Graeme.wines@gmail.com).
Style 105’s ‘Strut for a Cause’ is planned for Sunday, April 12 – simply call in to the shop for tickets.
And the South West Healthcare Warrnambool Auxiliary will screen ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ at the Capitol Cinemas on Tuesday, April 30 while its annual Winter High Tea will be held at the Warrnambool Golf Club on Friday, June 19.
For more information on these auxiliary-run events contact secretary Alison Bonjer at galleryclub@bigpond.com
Ms Morey is hoping the community appeal will reach its target by mid-year.
“If we can close the appeal before July we have a really good chance of having this lifesaving equipment here in Warrnambool before 2027,” she said.
