DONORS and supporters celebrated the arrival of a $130,000 Transperineal Biopsy Machine at Hamilton Base Hospital this week.

The new machine will improve the lives of men with prostate issues, reducing the risk of infection and other complications associated with prostate biopsy.

The journey to bring the biopsy machine to Hamilton began in February, when local farmer and prostate cancer survivor, Roland Cameron, kicked off fundraising efforts at an auction event at the Hamilton Livestock Exchange.

In a remarkable display of support, it took just six months to raise the $130,000 required for this life-saving machine.

Male Bag Foundation Patron, David Parkin, and several other representatives from the Male Bag, made the trip from Melbourne this week to see the equipment first-hand.

“It’s incredible to see the machine already in situ in Hamilton. It will make a real difference to the lives of many. It’s fantastic to see a community come together for such a vital cause,” Mr Parkin said.

WDHS chief executive, Rohan Fitzgerald, expressed his gratitude to the many donors and supporters involved.

“A big thank you to Roland, the Male Bag Foundation, the Windfarm teams from GPG and BMD, our urologists, donors and everyone who helped bring the biopsy machine to Hamilton,” he said.

“Back in February, a member of the community reached out to see if we could assist Roland with his first fundraiser and its incredible to think that in just a few months the equipment is here and ready to go in our Operating Theatre.

“The machine is testament to Roland’s commitment to the prostate cancer cause. He is a passionate campaigner and has dedicated himself to ensuring that we can provide a safer and more effective diagnostic option for local patients.”

Funds for the biopsy machine were raised at a series of events and appeals, including the Hamilton Livestock Exchange auction, an awareness-raising event and auction at the Hawkesdale Windfarm, and the WDHS annual appeal. The Male Bag Foundation also played a pivotal role, generously contributing $60,000 to the project.

BMD Superintendent, Michael Fish, said it was fantastic to be involved and connect with others to not only fund the machine, but also raise awareness about the importance of getting a prostate check.

“We stopped work on the Windfarm site to ensure that as many workers as possible could be a part of the auction event in June. In the end we had over 100 staff attend from BMD and GPG, and the great thing is, I know that several have since booked in for a check-up,” he said.

Now that the fundraising target has been met, Mr Cameron said he wants to keep the ball rolling and continue to raise awareness about the importance of regular prostate testing.

“I want to see more communication to encourage men to prioritise getting a check-up with their local GP or men’s health nurse practitioner. All men over 50 and those who have a family history over 40 can get a free test annually,” he said.

“As was thankfully the case with my diagnosis, if you get onto it early, you can beat this cancer. I can’t emphasise enough how important it is for men to get an annual test.”