There were several reasons Campbelltown Council had a big presence at this morning’s opening of a new $54 million integrated cancer centre and research hub.
Mayor of Campbelltown, George Greiss, pictured above, and whose name is on the plaque unveiled as part of the official ceremony, was joined by general manager Lindy Deitz, two council directors and some of their staff.
The four storey GenesisCare building on the corner of Hurley Street and Camden Road – opposite the council library, has brought to Campbelltown the capacity to deliver more than 13,000 cancer treatments annually and create more than 30 immediate jobs in healthcare, growing to 60 jobs as services expand over time.
It is also a beautiful building, quite possibly the most aesthetic high rise ever built in Campbelltown.
All good reasons why the Campbelltown chiefs had big smiles on their faces this morning.
But there was another reason: the project had four partners, with Campbelltown Council providing the land, as well as leading the discussion on other issues, including the architectural quality of the building.
“The fact that Campbelltown Council not only saw and supported our vision, but shared it too, has been instrumental in this project’s success,’’ said Karl Mayoh, joint CEO of Erilyan, construction company and one of the four partners involved.
Mayor Greiss, for his part, told the South West Voice that “today is a good day for Campbelltown’’.
With mega centres being developed around the Macarthur district, from Oran Park to Leppington and Edmondson Park there has been a perception that Campbelltown had missed the bus to become the big player in terms of commercial and retail offerings.
But the opening of the GenesisCare, which is already treating patients, along with the soon to open commercial/residential building in nearby Dumaresq Street, could be the catalysts that put Campbelltown back in the fight.
It is also believed that around $500 million is set to be invested in Campbelltown in the next five years.
“Campbelltown is proud to be the home of this fantastic new facility, which expands on the great work being done in the public sector and will provide much-needed services to our community,’’ Mayor Greiss said.
“This facility demonstrates the balance between architectural excellence and high-quality service provision, and the realisation of this project is proof of what can be achieved through a strong partnership.
“Not only does this facility provide high-value jobs in the heart of our city centre, it ensures strategic land is put to best use for the benefit of our community,” he said.
Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, haematology, and selection into clinical trials and research programs is available at the GenesisCare Campbelltown centre, and there are plans to offer theranostics and nuclear medicine in the future.
Patients can also access pathology and allied health services under the same roof, with diagnostic imaging to be available in the coming months.
More than 1500 workers, including 750 local sub-contractors, have been employed during the construction of this project, with over 220,000 working hours logged.
NSW health minister Ryan Park and local MP Greg Warren also attended this morning’s opening.
“This fantastic new facility provides greater access to cancer treatments for the local community, closer to home,’’ Mr Park said.
“One of the key services offered at the centre is radiation therapy, with the majority of the treatment costs covered by Medicare depending on individual circumstances.”
