Ball will be a fundraiser to purchase a PET/CT scanner
Ballina Shire residents will do their bit to raise funds for a PET/CT scanner with a fundraising ball at the Ballina RSL Club on October 25.
Member for Ballina Don Page is the driving force behind the event.
He said the night would be a great way to show the State and Federal governments that Northern Rivers residents were serious about expanding medical resources, as well as a chance to have some fun.
“We need to demonstrate we are keen and the best way to show it is to raise money,” Mr Page said.
“The ball should be a fun night and it’s for a great cause.”
Mr Page expects it will take six to eight months to raise enough money to go to government, and he hopes to generate $15,000 to $16,000 through the ball.
“Once we hit $100,000 we can approach the government,” Mr Page said.
There are only 16 PET/CT scanners in Australia in capital cities but none in regional areas.
Worth $5 million, the PET/CT scanner helps doctors more accurately diagnose and identify cancer, brain disorders and heart disease.
“Early detection can save a lot of lives,” Mr Page said.
“It’s the best technology in the world.
“We could be the first regional area in Australia to get a PET/CT scanner.”
The Northern Rivers has a high incidence of cancer, due in part to its ageing population.
Currently, patients need to travel to Brisbane or Sydney for diagnosis.
Cancer specialists in the local area believe that one of these machines in our region would save countless lives.
Tickets to the black-tie ball are $100 each, which includes three-course dinner and entertainment by 12-piece swing band Soul’d, Isabella A Capella and Mandy Nolan.
Tickets are available at Shelly’s On The Beach at East Ballina, La Boutique, River Street, or the Byron Bay Community Centre.
Mr Page urged residents to get them as soon as possible, as numbers are limited.
Lismore and Grafton will also be holding fundraising events in coming months.
