July 3, 2012—On June 22, the first stage of a new Comprehensive Cancer Centre known as the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre (ONJCWC), opened in Melbourne, Australia, providing the Melbourne-Austin Branch of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and expanded research capacity in the country. The new center will provide cancer care, prevention and wellness programs, along with the Ludwig research laboratories.
The singer and cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John says the new cancer treatment center that bears her name is “a dream come true.” Almost two decades ago, she overcame a battle with breast cancer and today is an inspiration to others battling the disease and a tireless promoter of the importance of early detection. Her personal triumph over cancer led to her partnership with Austin Health and the creation of the ONJCWC on the hospital’s campus.
The center combines leading medical treatment and research of international significance, integrated with the best of wellness care and support for patients and their families. Building on more than 125 years of cancer expertise at the Austin Hospital and a longstanding collaboration with the global Ludwig Institute, the activities at the Center seek to bridge the gap between research, treatment and cancer care. The ONJCWC will be one of Melbourne’s three leading cancer centers, together with the Monash Comprehensive Cancer Consortium and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
Click here (PDF) for the press release from Austin Health, and click here (PDF) for the announcement from the Australian Victorian Government.