GV Health Foundation director Amy DePaola, chair Stephen Merrylees, and ambassador Vicki Scott, with Copulos Foundation chair Peter Copulos and director Chris Copulos, and GV Health chief executive Matt Sharp.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Although Christmas is still days away, the Goulburn Valley has already received an extraordinary gift.
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On Thursday, December 18, Peter and Maria Copulos and family announced a $2 million commitment to support the development of a new Integrated Cancer Centre at Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton.
At the same announcement, GV Health confirmed the centre will be named the Peter Copulos Cancer Centre.
GV Health chief executive Matt Sharp said the naming recognised a family whose impact on local healthcare had been profound.
“Peter, Maria and the entire Copulos family have been incredible supporters of GV Health over many years, directly impacting the quality of care we are able to provide,” he said.
“This goes above and beyond, and reflects their generosity and commitment to this community.”
GV Health chief executive Matt Sharp said the Copulos family’s support goes “above and beyond”.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The new facility will be built adjacent to the hospital’s main entrance towards Numurkah Rd.
Plans are afoot to begin construction of stage one in 2027, supported by $30 million in Federal Government funding.
Stage one of the ICC will expand existing cancer services and improve facilities, but it will not yet deliver all services in one location, meaning some patients will still need to travel for complex treatment.
A fully funded stage two would bring all cancer services under one roof, including chemotherapy, radiation oncology, specialist clinics, wellness programs and supportive care.
Stage two is expected to cost an additional $90 million but remains subject to funding being allocated in the Victorian budget.
The Copulos family’s pledge is structured to support both stages, with $1 million committed to stage one and an additional $1 million if full funding for stage two is secured.
Mr Copulos said the family’s investment aimed to provide local cancer patients with access to world-class care closer to home.
“No-one should have to travel hours for life-saving treatment,” he said.
Copulos Foundation chair Peter Copulos announced a $2 million commitment for the centre’s development.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The donation builds on decades of philanthropy from the Copulos family, including more than $460,000 for the existing Peter Copulos Cancer Centre.
Inspired by the pledge, GV Health Foundation has launched a community fundraising campaign with a target of $5 million to help realise the complete ICC.
GV Health Foundation chair Stephen Merrylees said early momentum was strong.
“Today’s announcement from the Copulos family is an extraordinary start,” he said.
“If our community can get behind this project, we’re confident the Victorian Government will get behind it too.”
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