New radiation oncology facility opens in Taree
Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold has welcomed the opening of Cancer Care Manning Great Lakes (CCMGL), a new radiation oncology facility in Taree that will significantly improve access to cancer treatment for patients across the Manning and Great Lakes regions.
Ms Penfold said the new centre would make a meaningful difference for patients and their families who have often had to travel long distances for treatment.
“Access to cancer treatment close to home makes an enormous difference for patients and their families at what is often an incredibly difficult time,” Ms Penfold said.
“This facility will ensure more people in our region can receive the care they need without leaving their community.”
The new service will provide local access to radiation therapy for patients who previously had to travel away from the region, often spending extended periods away from their families and support networks while undergoing treatment.
With $4.47 million in funding provided by the former Coalition Government and secured following strong advocacy from former Federal Member for Lyne The Hon Dr David Gillespie, the centre has been built close to Manning Base Hospital in the heart of Taree, complementing and significantly expanding the hospital’s existing oncology services.
Cancer Care Manning Great Lakes is supported by the Commonwealth through the Fighting Cancer – Regional Cancer Treatment Centres for Radiation Therapy Grant Program, helping deliver a state-of-the-art radiation oncology facility for the region.
Ms Penfold said the opening marked an important step forward for healthcare in the Manning and Great Lakes.
“Having a modern radiation oncology service here in Taree means patients can stay closer to their families and support networks while undergoing treatment,” she said.
“It’s a major milestone for healthcare access across our region.”
Cancer Care Manning Great Lakes forms part of the Cancer Care Associates Group, which has more than 30 years’ experience providing high-quality oncology services across metropolitan and regional New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. The group has a strong history of establishing regional cancer services, including the Riverina Cancer Care Centre in Wagga Wagga in 2002 and Cancer Care Griffith in 2024.
The Taree centre features a state-of-the-art single linear accelerator radiation oncology unit, designed to provide person-centred care with no waiting list for patients. Located on Cornwell Street, close to Manning Base Hospital, the facility will operate as part of an integrated cancer care network, with plans for outreach services to Forster in the future to support patients across the broader Manning and Great Lakes regions.
Ms Penfold concluded by saying, “It’s great to reach this milestone with this cancer treatment facility today but we are still a long way from having the health facilities we deserve including from a federal government perspective an Urgent Care Clinic in Taree.”
Media Contact: Max Dent - 0406 844 226