A bold vision to establish a $30 million one-stop base in Warrnambool for residents of western Victoria and south-east South Australia was unveiled yesterday.

It would ease the inconvenience for thousands of rural residents required to travel to Geelong, Ballarat and Melbourne for specialist cancer examinations and treatments. A campaign to secure the new centre will be officially launched on Wednesday next week and aims to eventually lure radiotherapy services, a magnetic imaging machine and other support programs.

It is called "Peter's Project" in honour of Peter Jellie (pictured left) who lost his 20-week battle with cancer in 2008 at the age of 49.

His widow Vicki is spearheading the campaign with support from South West Healthcare, St John of God Hospital, other regional hospitals, medical practitioners and a committee of community leaders.

Mrs Jellie said it was hoped to achieve the centre within five years, but the committee was prepared for a battle.

"It's not going to be easy, but, like the helicopter campaign, we will persevere," she said.

"If we can get communities to join forces on this it will strengthen our case.

"We are taking in the whole Greater Green Triangle region to include part of South Australia because some people who have to travel to Adelaide for treatment could come to Warrnambool."

The committee hopes to learn soon if it has been successful in Federal Government funding application for a $200,000 feasibility study.

“This is essential if we are to achieve our dream,” Mrs Jellie said.

Mrs Jellie said rural families were dislocated and had to bear extra costs when cancer victims moved outside the region for treatment.

“This dislocation happened with Peter and I. We spent eight weeks in Melboune when we should have been closer to our family.

“To live in their own environment would be much better for the patient and families. My family was no different to anyone else, but I put my hand up to do something about it.”

The campaign will involve community fund-raising, but will press for government backing and licensing for radiotherapy and MRI machines.

A similar campaign in Wagga where the community raised $4m for a cancer care centre is being used as a model for the south-west bid.