VICKI Jellie doesn’t seek recognition for the work she has accomplished, but on Wednesday evening she recieved an acknowledgement of the highest order.
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Ms Jellie was awarded the 2017 Victorian Australian of the Year Local Hero at a gala event at Government House in Melbourne.
She will join recipients from other states and territories as finalists for the national awards to be announced on January, 25 in Canberra.
Ms Jellie discovered her late husband Peter’s plans to bring radiotherapy services to the south-west after he died of cancer in 2008.
Peter’s dream became Ms Jellie’s passion.
Peter's Project was born – a community group dedicated to fighting for better cancer services.
Ms Jellie was told a cancer centre would never happen in Warrnambool, but she never gave up hope to realise Peter’s plan.
She lobbied governments and rallied the community to raise funds.
Community members from across the south-west raised $5 million in nine months, while $25 million came from State and Federal Government funding.
The South West Regional Cancer Centre opened in July 2016, offering radiotherapy treatment for regional patients.
Other nominees for the ‘local hero’ award included child sexual abuse advocate Chrissie Foster, lifesaver Simon Lewis and young veteran supporters Scott and Chris May.
The 2017 Victorian Australian of the Year is refugee, torture and trauma rehabilitation advocate, Paris Aristotle.
Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau congratulated all finalists and recipients, paying tribute to their contribution to Victoria.
"Importantly, each of the finalists has taken action and in doing so have helped to build not only a vibrant and innovative country, but also a caring, compassionate and fairer one,” she said.
EARLIER: Watch the awards live stream here.