THE Hamilton Lions Club is donating $30,000 to the Western District Health Service (WDHS) MRI Appeal.

Hamilton President, Kevin Kavanagh, said the Club was very keen to get behind the MRI project, and in recent months also sought further support from Australian and District Lions funding bodies.

“The MRI project has been on the Club’s radar for some time and members were keen to assist with a substantial donation to help raise funds for this vital community project,” he said. 

“Our $30,000 donation includes $12,000 from the Hamilton Lions Club, $11,000 from the Australian Lions Foundation and a further $7,000 from the Lions District 201V2 Charitable Fund.

“We are very proud to support this much needed project, which will make a real difference for people living in the Southern Grampians.”

The total cost of the MRI project is expected to be $3.1 million, including the machine, purpose-built Pod, refurbishments to accommodate new waiting areas, and landscaping around the precinct. With close to $1.5 million already raised by the community and a further $1.5 million provided by the State Government, the MRI is almost fully funded.

WDHS chief executive, Rohan Fitzgerald, said the project has really come together in recent weeks.

“The Pod and MRI are in place and work is currently underway on the linkway from the Radiology waiting area to the Pod,” he said.

“We are very grateful to the Lions Club for supporting our team to deliver on the project to improve access to MRI and ensure our surgeons and specialists have the full suite of diagnostic imaging available.

“Rarely does a day go by that I don’t have someone come up to me with a different story about the challenges they have faced getting an MRI.

“This project has really resonated with the community and we are so appreciative of the support we have received from so many individuals, community groups and businesses.”

Throughout February technicians will be on site commissioning the MRI, which is expected to open for appointments in early March.