A newly established action group is urging a pause in the transition of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre (AWRCC) to a publicly operated model, scheduled for January 23, 2026. The Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Consumer Action Group, formed over the Christmas period, has issued an open letter to federal, Victorian, and New South Wales health ministers, along with local MPs and health service leaders, expressing their concerns.
The group emphasizes three key requests: a halt to the transition process, increased community consultation, and greater transparency regarding the operational changes ahead. Representative Marianne Warren, who has personal experience with the centre, highlighted that many community members contributed to the establishment of the AWRCC, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among residents.
“The AWRCC was built through a public-private-community partnership and consumer co-design, with a commitment to integrated, universally accessible cancer care under one roof,” Warren stated. She voiced apprehension that a hurried transition could jeopardize the quality of care that the community has diligently worked to secure.
Warren herself was diagnosed with a blood disorder prior to the centre’s establishment and recalls the challenges of traveling to Melbourne for treatments that are now available locally. Her experience underscores the importance of maintaining accessible healthcare within the community.
Concerns outlined in the open letter include insufficient transparency surrounding the future model of care, potential workforce impacts, and the risk of regressing on patient outcomes. As of 2024, the Hume region boasts five-year survival rates for cancer patients that match those of metropolitan areas, standing at an impressive 74 percent. This statistic reflects the significant progress made in regional healthcare delivery.
“This is the community’s cancer centre,” Warren emphasized. “It was funded for the benefit of all people in our region. We are ready to work constructively with Albury Wodonga Health and all stakeholders, but we need transparency, time, and guarantees that patients will not pay the price for a rushed transition.”
The action group is seeking an opportunity to engage with stakeholders to ensure that the transition adheres to the high standards established by the centre. The importance of community involvement in the decision-making process is a recurring theme in their discussions.
Albury Wodonga Health and Ramsay Health Care have been approached for comment regarding the action group’s concerns and the upcoming transition. The outcome of this engagement may influence the future trajectory of cancer care services in the region, impacting both healthcare providers and patients alike.
As the transition date approaches, the community remains vigilant, advocating for a model that preserves the achievements of the AWRCC while ensuring continued access to quality cancer care.
