GV Health Foundation

Having spent five years supporting local patients through their cancer journeys as a nurse in Goulburn Valley Health’s Oncology Unit, Stacey McDermott never imagined she would face a diagnosis of her own.

However, cancer doesn’t discriminate. In February 2026, after proactively booking a routine breast screen, Stacey, 45, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Within weeks, she had undergone surgery and has since commenced chemotherapy, experiencing firsthand the journey she had supported many patients through.

Following her first round of chemotherapy, Stacey’s hair began to fall out. Choosing to embrace the inevitable, she planned a low-key head-shaving gathering with family. What started as a small event quickly grew, with more than 40 family members, friends and neighbours coming together to show their support.

Stacey’s father and two of her friends joined her in going hair-free, while her niece and nephew got involved, colouring their hair with hairspray.

Together, they raised an incredible $3,000.

Stacey has generously directed the funds towards essential equipment for the GV Health Oncology Unit, helping ensure local patients continue to receive high-quality care close to home.

Stacey, thank you for turning a personal challenge into an opportunity to support others. Your generosity is deeply appreciated, and we wish you strength, good health and a full recovery in the months ahead.

Thanks also go to Stacey’s family, friends and neighbours, whose support and generosity helped raise this incredible amount.

Community members wanting to follow Stacey’s lead and contribute to cancer care in our region can support the I Care for Cancer Care @ GV Health appeal via the link below:

https://gvhealthfoundation.org.au/i-care-for-cancer-care/

A patient’s postcode should not determine their cancer treatment outcomes. Your tax‑deductible end of financial year donation will help bring world‑class cancer care facilities to the Goulburn Valley. Donate today and say "I Care for Cancer Care @ GV Health".

Donate or learn more at: https://gvhealthfoundation.org.au/i-care-for-cancer-care/

Thank you Shepparton News for your ongoing support of Cancer Care in our region

The News urges support for the $5 million I Care for Cancer Care appeal.

Huge thanks to Hill Top Golf and Country Club for saying "I Care for Cancer Care" and raising $400 towards our Integrated Cancer Centre appeal at their Annual Pink Day! ⛳💗 Your generosity will help bring first class cancer care facilities to the Goulburn Valley.

💗⛳ A fantastic day was had at our Annual Pink Day! ⛳💗

It was wonderful to see so many of our ladies embracing the occasion, dressing in pink and coming together for a great day of golf, friendship and community spirit.

Thanks to the incredible support of everyone involved, we were proud to raise $400 for the Integrated Cancer Centre in Shepparton, helping support an important cause that touches so many lives.

A huge congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated, donated and helped make the day a success.

GV Health is the only major regional public health service in Victoria without an Integrated Cancer Centre. This end of financial year, help us change that. All donations over $2 are tax‑deductible. Donate today and keep cancer care close to home.

Donate or learn more at: https://gvhealthfoundation.org.au/i-care-for-cancer-care/

This week the GV Health Foundation is delighted to have launched the ‘I Care for Cancer Care’ fundraising appeal, a major community effort to help build a much needed Integrated Cancer Centre for the Goulburn Valley.

Victoria has six designated regional public health services, yet GV Health is the only one without an Integrated Cancer Centre. At the same time, demand for cancer care is rapidly rising. In just four years, treatments delivered at GV Health’s Oncology Unit have increased by 54%, from 10,679 to 16,476. GV Health’s current facilities simply weren’t designed for this level of demand or the long term, ongoing nature of modern cancer care.

A fully integrated centre would bring cancer care together under one roof, reducing travel for patients and ensuring they can access world class care close to home. While the Australian Government has committed $30M for Stage 1, the $90M required for Stage 2 has not been secured.

With community support, the Foundation is aiming to raise $5 million. The appeal is already off to an impressive start thanks to a generous $1 million donation from the Copulos Family Foundation.

Now we need you! We’re calling on individuals, businesses and community groups to say “I Care for Cancer Care” and help bring first class cancer care to the Goulburn Valley.

To donate https://gvhealthfoundation.supporterhub.net.au/donations/appeal-2026?source=fbl

If you would like to learn more about this important community appeal contact Director of GV Health Foundation Amy De Paola via [email protected]

The GV Health Foundation is enormously grateful to the GV Health Extended Care Auxiliary for their generous $17,000 donation, funding a brand-new portable exercise bike for the Mary Coram Unit.

The Mary Coram Unit provides vital inpatient rehabilitation, geriatric, and palliative care. This long-awaited addition can be easily moved, and its versatility allows physiotherapy staff to provide tailored rehabilitation directly to patients to rebuild their strength and confidence.

Dedicated auxiliary members have supported both Goulburn Valley Health's Mary Coram Unit and Grutzner House for many decades, fundraising through fashion parades, sing-alongs, plant sales, and garden parties. This gift is the latest in a long history of contributions that help GV Health deliver high-quality care.

Foundation staff recently invited Auxiliary members to see the bike in action, allowing GV Health staff to share feedback and offer thanks for the group's ongoing support.

To all our Extended Care Auxiliary members: thank you for your dedication over so many years. Your support enhances the care GV Health provides, and we are truly grateful for the heart and history you bring to our health service.

Toni Mackin, the face behind Romeo’s Kitchen, has turned her passion for preserves and baking into an incredible $1,200 gift for Goulburn Valley Health's oncology unit! ❤️

Inspired by the "fantastic" care she has received over her five-year cancer journey, Toni wanted to give back to the team that has supported her and provide care that is close to home.

From selling her signature jams and surplus eggs to her craft group, to baking an unbelievable 1,500 pieces of cake for The Olde Creamery Dahlia Open Day in Nathalia, Toni's efforts are greatly appreciated.

"Toni is one patient who has gone above and beyond, combining her passion for cooking with various fundraising efforts. We are incredibly grateful for her support," says GV Health Foundation director Amy De Paola.

Thank you to Toni for your generosity and for supporting our medical staff who care for our community every day.

Picture: Toni is with Jamie and Gareth from The Olde Creamery where she ran one of her fundraising efforts.

As we wrap up Volunteer Week, the GV Health Foundation would like to give a huge shout out to Paul Archer, one of our most dedicated and hard-working volunteers.

For the past 17 years, Paul has supported Goulburn Valley Health through his battery recycling initiative, turning unwanted lead-based vehicle batteries into vital funding for our Child and Adolescent Unit. Known across the GV as the “Battery Man”, Paul has raised an incredible $880,000 to date, directly helping provide essential equipment, therapeutic spaces, and programs that improve care and outcomes for young patients and their families.

Paul was recently nominated for the Greater Shepparton City Council Volunteer Awards. While he may have missed out on the win, the award ceremony was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all those who volunteer in support of our community.

Paul’s goal is to raise $1 million! Community members wanting to contribute can drop off their disused lead-based vehicle batteries to Natrad, 20 Campbell Street, Shepparton. If you would like to learn more or assist with the initiative, please contact Paul on 0457 000 423.

Thank you, Paul. All volunteers are amazing, but you definitely take it to the next level, you are an absolute legend.

Pictured: GV Health Foundation Chair, Stephen Merrylees, GV Health Foundation Director, Amy De Paola, Paul Archer and Tim Cannon, GV Health Chief Corporate Affairs Officer

Sometimes the simple ideas have a big impact 📚

The GV Health Foundation has partnered with 123Read2Me to bring free children’s books into Goulburn Valley Health, helping families connect through reading.

Each month, 1,000 pre-loved books are delivered and stocked into trolleys at the Foundation office and paediatric outpatient clinic. Patients, visitors and staff are all invited to take a book home, at no cost.

The program was designed to make time in hospital a little easier for children, offering a way to pass the time and, importantly, take a story home to enjoy beyond their visit. However, the first delivery has been a big hit, not just with children, but with parents, grandparents and staff. The act of selecting a book or 2 has sparked shared moments, familiar favourites being rediscovered, and a genuine buzz around reading and sharing stories.

Pictured are Hope and her sister Octavia who stocked up on books while visiting a family member at GV Health recently.

The GVH Foundation thanks the wonderful volunteers and their supporters at 123Read2Me for all their work in providing their amazing program.

Keep an eye out for the book trolleys on your next visit 📖