After her husband Peter died of cancer in 2008, Ms Jellie discovered his plans to bring radiotherapy services to the south-west. 

Peter’s dream became Ms Jellie’s passion. 

She founded Peter's Project – a community group dedicated to fighting for better cancer services – and despite being told that a cancer centre in Warrnambool would never happen, she lobbied governments, and rallied the community to raise funds. 

With $5 million raised by the local community and $25 million of State and Federal Government funding, the South West Regional Cancer Centre opened in July 2016, offering radiotherapy treatment for regional patients. 

Ms Jellie told The Standard last month it was exciting and “very humbling” to be a finalist.

“It’s not something you look for when you set out to do something for the community,” she said.

“I’m just an everyday person. It is an honour.”

Ms Jellie said the realisation of the South West Cancer Centre had been a team effort.

“What has happened will help thousands of people,” she said.