WHAT IS GIPPSLAND CENTENARY HOUSE

Gippsland Rotary Centenary House is a community-based not-for-profit accommodation facility for patients and their families who will be attending the Cancer Care Centre at Latrobe Regional Hospital (LRH) or undergoing other treatment for long term degenerative disease, with an emphasis on the families of very sick children.

The philosophy is to provide affordable, comfortable, supportive and secure accommodation so that travelling and the stress of treatment is minimised. 

The facility comprises six large 'motel style' en suite units, two smaller self-contained units, communal kitchen with three work stations, communal dining and lounge, 'Quiet Room' for family consultation and privacy, lounge, library, secure playground and resident volunteer en-suite bedroom unit

This project was initiated by Gippsland Rotary Clubs to mark the Centenary of Rotary, and has attracted broad community support and representation throughout Gippsland.  Funds have been raised through community fundraising, applications to philanthropic trusts, sponsorship and donations in kind.

The stated priorities for family accommodation are:

·         The families of children either suffering degenerative diseases or cancer and requiring treatment at the Latrobe Regional Hospital, including the new Gippsland Cancer Care Centre.

·         Families of adults receiving oncology services at the new Gippsland Cancer Care Centre. The hospital estimates they will be treating about 35 cancer patients per day, many of whom live some distance from the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre and will require accommodation.

·         Families of trauma victims and critically ill patients at the Latrobe Regional Hospital.

The accommodation provided will be subsidised or free of charge depending on the circumstances of those using the facility.