LOOKING around the homely wellness centre, Shane Darroch wishes his mum had a similar retreat during her cancer treatment. That was only a few years ago.
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Mr Darroch felt compelled to make sure the Grampians region’s cancer patients and families could continue appreciating the holistic programs and relaxed vibe in the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre’s wellness lounge. He created A Wellness Soirée, a fundraising night with live music and comedy for a fun night out.
“Mum had to mainly be sitting around in her hospital bed waiting between treatments,” Mr Darroch said. "Here there are activities and programs run all the time or a place to talk and wait.”
Mr Darroch hoped his soirée would also build awareness of the centre, what it does and how lucky the region was to it.
BRICC wellness centre offers supportive care – emotional, spiritual and financial – for patients and their families in a non-clinical space.
Wellness centre coordinator Simone Noelker most enjoyed herself when she could see a patient comfortable and having a good time.
"We want them to feel it’s not all negative,” Ms Noelker said. “Here it’s about health, happiness and what we can control. We focus on a wellness model rather than illness.”
A Wellness Soirée is at Jackson’s and Co on Saturday, March 5 from 7pm with an ‘after five’ dress code. The evening will feature Australia’s Got Talent bearded identical twins comedy duo the Nelson Twins and Ballarat band Vinyl Tap. Tickets are available from Jackson’s and Co and Kwik Kopy (Peel Street).
Meanwhile, Coronet City Cricket Club has raised $13,000 to support the BRICC wellness centre and patient treatment research. City made the big play after a successful seven-aside Cricket for a Cause carnival. The tournament drew teams from Melbourne and across western Victoria, including winner ‘Backyard Legends” from Boorcan.
Event coordinator Brendan Everard said the event was dual purpose, contributing further funds to the club’s youth development with a key focus on fundraising for BRICC. More than 70 club volunteers worked across seven grounds for modified games at Vic Park. A raffle and cricketers’ sprint were also part of festivities.
