Cancer patients within a 200 kilometre radius of Dubbo will soon have better access to cancer treatment.
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The Cancer Council NSW has received $42,481 to purchase a vehicle for its transport to treatment services.
The funding is part of the NSW government's community building partnerships program.
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Cancer Council NSW Western region volunteer Jason Dearmer said the committee would now be able to start shopping for a comfortable, yet accessible vehicle for the often very sick patients they transport.
"Our vehicles generally service a region of about 200 kilometres around Dubbo, and we transport patients from home to treatment services, or between treatment services, based on their needs," Mr Dearmer said.
"It will mean we can service a lot more patients, which is great news."
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the investment was important to support the growing demand of rural people suffering a cancer diagnosis.
"Cancer council volunteers drive hundreds of kilometres every week to help patients get to treatment, and demand for transport will only increase with the opening of the new Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo," Mr Saunders said.
"Anecdotally we know the COVID-19 pandemic has seen a lot of people putting off accessing treatment, so easing restrictions and rising vaccination rates will also see more demand for the transport to treatment service.
"With an ageing population we know incidences of diseases like cancer are only going to rise. It's great the NSW Government can provide this support, but the real heroes are the volunteers."
