Peter’s Project director Vicki Jellie said the amount was an amazing achievement, having been raised in only five months since the appeal started in July.

The community has been asked to generate $5 million as its contribution to the cancer centre, the federal and state governments pledging $10 million and $15 million respectively.

“We have always been aware of the magnificent community spirit here in the south-west and that has been reinforced many times, especially over the past months,” Ms Jellie said.

“These results don’t happen by chance — they are the result of hard work by many members of the community, with the same passion and goal. We can’t however rest on our efforts.

“We must maintain this momentum and raise the remaining $1 million to ensure the south-west and south-east of South Australia get the best cancer treatment we deserve.” 

Peter’s Project aims to raise the remaining $1 million by July 31, 2014.

“We have worked tirelessly together and been heard as a community and the tremendous result is that our regional cancer centre is now an absolute reality,” Ms Jellie said. 

“We must remember that the reason we are pulling together to do this is to ensure cancer patients can have life-saving treatment close to home, without the added stress of travel and being away from much-needed family support. We need to shorten that road too-well-travelled by our region’s cancer patients.”

Ms Jellie said planning for the cancer centre had begun in earnest. 

“We can look forward in 2014, to seeing plans of the building and the construction to begin. 

“We are excited at this progress as it brings radiotherapy treatment for our region one step closer to becoming a reality. 

“Christmas always heralds a time for quiet introspection, to reminisce over where we have been and what we have accomplished during the preceding year. 

“This year we can all be proud of what we have achieved. 

“On behalf of Peter’s Project, I would like to wish everyone in our regional community, a wonderful Christmas and positive New Year,” Ms Jellie said.