A new multi-storey lodge will be built in Adelaide’s inner south to accommodate thousands of South Australians impacted by cancer and their families.
The Marshall Liberal Government is contributing $10 million towards a $30.3 million Cancer Council SA Lodge, to be built on Greenhill Road at Eastwood.
Premier Steven Marshall says this new facility will help to reduce the stress and uncertainty for South Australians and families who are battling cancer.
“I hope this facility will resemble a real home away from home for the thousands of regional South Australians who have no other option but to travel to Adelaide for their treatment,” the Premier said.
“We want South Australians to feel comfortable and at ease in a new facility that delivers the support they need while making them feel at home during their challenging time.
“This is just another example of this Government building what matters.”
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the 120-room lodge will replace Cancer Council SA’s Greenhill Lodge in Eastwood and Flinders Lodge in Kent Town, which are both nearing the end of their life.
“While these facilities have served rural and remote South Australians well for decades, both are no longer fit-for-purpose, with Greenhill Lodge in particular prone to constant cracking,” Minister Wade said.
“As a result, rooms are in constant need of repair and maintenance which impacts the number of rooms available to those who need them.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to fighting cancer and closing the gap in cancer outcomes between the city and country.”
The purpose-built accommodation facility will include:
* Communal kitchen facilities
* Dining spaces (pre-cooked affordable dinners can be delivered)
* Quiet breakout spaces
* Activity hub staffed by volunteers
* Access to on-site social workers
* Information and resource area
* Culturally appropriate accommodation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
* Family rooms and play spaces
* Onsite parking
* Free transport to treatment centres
In the past year, the Cancer Council provided 32,896 nights of accommodation to regional cancer patients from across South Australia.
As well as providing accommodation, the new $30.3 million building will also be the home of Cancer Council SA’s new headquarters for its support and information services, counselling services, prevention activities, intervention programs and behavioural research team.
The project is expected to support up to 160 jobs during construction.
The new lodge will be built on the site of the current Cancer Council SA headquarters at 202 Greenhill Road, Eastwood.
Construction is expected to start in the first quarter of next year and finish by mid-2022.
