Humble. Generous. Determined.
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These three words only go part the way of describing one of the south-west’s true heroes.
It’s a title that Vicki Jellie openly disputes, but her achievements over the past eight years are nothing short of incredible.
“I’m just an everyday person,” she told The Standard.
When Ms Jellie’s husband Peter died of cancer in 2008, she discovered he had a plan to bring radiotherapy services to the south-west.
She made it her goal to realise her late husband’s dream and Peter’s Project was born.
A website dedicated to the project makes it clear Ms Jellie knew she had a battle ahead of her from day one.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done,” is emblazoned on the cover page.
Ms Jellie proved just that – achieving what many would have believed was an impossible feat.
She launched a community initiative to raise $5 million and helped secure $25 million from the state and federal governments to open the South West Regional Cancer Centre in July 2016.
Ms Jellie is a finalist in the 2017 Australian of the Year Awards in the category of local hero.
The winner will be announced in Canberra on Wednesday night.
The journey
“It’s not just for Peter but for all the Peters in the south-west,” Ms Jellie told The Standard when talking about her campaign in 2012.
Her late husband’s palliative care nurse Shane Timms came upwith the name Peter’s Project.
Even back in 2012, Mr Timms was astounded by Ms Jellie’s fierce determination.
“She has taken on the big blokes and I don’t know if she’ll ever give up to be honest,” he said. Read more.
Fresh legs for cancer care race
In 2010 the Warrnambool Greyhound Club revealed it would donate $500 to Peter’s Project every time its namesake won a race. Read more.
Inaugural ball held
In 2012 the first Peter’s Project fund-raising ball was held. Read more.
Major victory for project
In 2013 it was revealed the state government had agreed to fund $10 million for radiotherapy services in the south-west. Read more.
You did it!
In May 2014, the project’s $5 million was reached. Read more.
Peter’s dream realised
In September 2014 it was revealed work would begin soon on a $30 million regional radiotherapy centre in Warrnambool. Read more.
Australia Day honour
In 2015, Ms Jellie was named the city’s citizen of the year. Read more.
A great day for Warrnambool
In July 2016 the South West Regional Cancer Centre was officially opened. Read more.
