Rotary clubs unite to fight cancer inequality in regional Australia

Founded on the belief that “where you live should not determine whether you live”, ROMP works to tackle the inequalities in cancer outcomes, particularly myeloma, between city and country patients.

The program’s major focus is its Rotary Outreach Myeloma Scholarship.

Since its launch in 2022, these scholarships have enabled regional nurses to undertake specialist postgraduate training in cancer care online through the University of Melbourne.

One of the first scholarship recipients was awarded right here in Shepparton.

“(It was) Eva Gauci at the Peter Copulos Centre, who’s been a very successful nurse in the community,” ROMP secretary and founding member Peter Allen said.

The scholarship program costs about $13,000 per nurse and is funded entirely through sponsorships and community donations rather than Rotary club funds.

Mr Allen said ROMP was seeking support from local regional communities to help fund this initiative.

“People might ask why get involved in a program for a small cancer? The answer is very simple,” he said.

“When you upskill nurses in cancer treatment, their new skills cover blood cancers and general cancer nursing.

“There’s an epidemic of cancer in country Victoria, so anything that’s done to assist in that cause has to be valuable.”

To learn more or to make a donation, visit rompteam.net