Peter's Project

09/10/2026

It is with deep regret that our region is losing two of the most experienced, professional and caring oncologists, Associate Professors Dr Terri Hayes and Dr Ian Collins, who have unfortunately felt that the only way forward in their careers is to leave the region.

This is a devastating loss for our community and for cancer patients, their families and the many medical professionals across South West Victoria who have worked alongside them.

For more than 20 years, Dr Hayes and Dr Collins have dedicated their professional lives to providing exceptional care, expertise and support to people living with cancer in our region.
To have them reach a point where leaving is what they feel they need to do, is deeply upsetting.

Our health professionals deserve to be treated with respect and fairness. They deserve to be listened to, supported and encouraged to build their careers and their lives in our region.

This respect and support has obviously not occurred for them, otherwise this outcome would be different.
Who is taking responsibility for this situation?
Why has this been allowed to occur over years of mismanagement ?

Looking after and retaining experienced medical professionals is vital if we are to continue providing the highest possible standard of care and ensure that people can access expert cancer treatment closer to home. This is of great benefit for us all.

Dr Hayes and Dr Collins have forged countless relationships and have been an incredibly important part of the lives of so many people receiving cancer treatment. Their contribution extends well beyond their clinical roles.

Through their dedication and commitment, they have helped bring international clinical trials and research opportunities to our region, providing patients with access to treatments and opportunities that may otherwise not have been available locally.

Dr Terri Hayes was a founding member of Peter’s Project in 2008 and was an integral part of the work to bring radiotherapy, improved cancer services and the South West Regional Cancer Centre to our community.

Terri’s commitment, professional advice and unwavering support to the Board of Peter’s Project will forever be held in the highest regard and with immense gratitude.

The contribution both Terri and Ian have made to our region cannot be overstated. Their knowledge, compassion, leadership and commitment have touched countless lives and have helped shape cancer care in South West Victoria.

Thank you, Terri and Ian, for everything you have given to our community over so many years.

We are incredibly grateful for your dedication and the lasting difference you have made.

We wish you both every success and happiness in your future endeavours.

A contract battle is the last straw.

17/07/2026

10 year anniversary of the South West Regional Cancer Centre. Borne of the community and supported by the community. What a fabulous celebration of what can be achieved and those our centre has helped through their cancer journey. 🙌

01/06/2026

The Peter’s Project Foundation is extremely excited to partner with Deakin University to bring Syn-D to Deakin’s Warrnambool campus.
It is a fantastic opportunity to support our medical students in learning close to home with state of the art equipment, which will benefit our region.

07/04/2026

Register for a free wellbeing day for any woman with a cancer diagnosis

26/03/2026

At The Peter’s Project Foundation we are very pleased to continue to support cancer related needs at South West Healthcare and especially now, $12,000 toward the current fundraiser for the Breast Tumour Locator System.
It’s great to see community groups and individuals contributing to this vital equipment….together we all make a difference and achieve great results. 🙌

There’s no doubt about it. Our SWH Warrnambool Auxiliary sure knows how to run a slick event when it comes to fundraising. In just three hours on Friday it cleared $5,000 with the assistance of two other great groups of volunteers: Fools on Stools (pictured) provided the music for the 250+ guests gracing the lawns of Warrnambool’s Bayside Lodge and Rotary Central provided the BBQ. The bulk of the money was made from another great raffle this auxiliary is so known for – and it’s thanks to Langley’s Port Fairy Holiday Accommodation for its success. Langley’s generously donated the 1st prize of two nights accommodation worth $1,200.

The proceeds of this event are to be donated to our $120,000 Breast Tumour Locator System. As will be the proceeds of the April-30 morning screening of *The Devil Wears Prada 2*. To book your tickets please call auxiliary member Margot Johnson on 0455 029 125.

The Breast Tumour Locator System we’re after will help to precisely identify the location of tumours that cannot be felt by touch. This means less invasive surgery for our mastectomy and lumpectomy patients.

Latest gifts to this appeal include those from FM Maher & Associates via a $500 donation to the fundraising efforts of our 2026 Scrubbers & The Gasman Murray2Moyne Cycle Relay Team + $2,000 from the Warrnambool Uniting Church Adult Fellowship + $496 from an Anchor Point Village-organised raffle + $500 from Tim Rayner Audiology Pty Ltd via the amazing fundraising advocacy All Seasons Nursery’s Kim Sordello is doing for us. Then there’s the $12,000 donation from the ever-loyal Peter’s Project Foundation. Whenever we need support of a cancer-specific cause, Peter’s Project Foundation (PPF) does not hesitate to come to our aid. Additional to this $12,000 gift, over the past 12 months PPF has donated $65,306 towards the purchasing of two new probes for our prostate cancer detector + $5,000 for 161 bras for our Bra Fund (to help patients experiencing financial hardship stemming from their breast cancer diagnosis… each patient is gifted one of these compression bras to minimise the potential for fluid build-up, post-surgery) + its annual $11,000 donation to fund the renting of therapy/consulting rooms at the cancer centre for our SWH Cancer Services team. We are incredibly grateful for this support.

22/12/2025

The Board of the Peter’s Project Foundation would like to wish everyone a joyful holiday season filled with peace and gratitude.

If we are fortunate enough to gather with our families and friends this year, we need to remember those in our hearts who are not with us and those who are going through difficult times.

With grateful hearts we thank our community for their continued support and it is wonderful to be able to report that the Peter’s Project legacy continues on to support cancer and health related needs.

Our Board has had a busy year planning for the future and ensuring our strategic focus continues to grow with the needs of our region.

We are so proud of the projects we have been able to support this year, and that is attributed to your generosity.

This year, our annual trust fund distribution for 2024 - 2025 financial year, included grants totalling $260,736.59
and were distributed to:

- Deakin University contribution toward purchase of Syndover Full Anatomy Model: $50,000

- Regional Cancer Exercise Project : $50,000

- Surgical Microscope for St John of God Healthcare : $67,000

- Portland & District Health Laser Therapy equipment: $19,000

- Western District Health Hamilton Mammogram appeal : $20,000

- New 3D Printer for Radiotherapy Department at South West Regional Cancer Centre: $15,736.59

- Rental payment for SWH associated staff office space at South West Regional Cancer Centre (2 years) : $22,000

- Leila Rose Foundation - funding toward cancer nurse coordinator - $5,000

- SWH Breast Cancer Morning Tea: $2,000

- South West Community Hospice : $10,000

Let us hope for a bright, happy and healthy 2026 🎄🌟