Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute has been granted $10 million by the Victorian Government to establish a Centre of Research Excellence with a focus on brain cancer.

The funding is part of an $18 million package for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre (ONJ Centre). It was announced yesterday by Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Jill Hennessy.

The funding will fast-track more research and better treatments. It will enable more Victorian cancer patients to access the world’s best ‘game-changing’ technology, to target and treat the disease.

As well as establishing a Centre of Research Excellence, the $10 million grant for the Institute will assist with the infrastructure and support that researchers need to continue their ground-breaking work fighting cancer.

Olivia Newton-John was at Parliament House in Melbourne for the announcement.

“I am overwhelmed, and grateful for the Victorian Government’s investment in the ONJ Centre. This funding will allow the centre to deliver the very best treatments, wellness programs and complimentary therapies, and breakthrough research, all under one roof. I am incredibly proud of the centre and the crucial work it carries out. Every day we take steps to win over cancer and today we have taken a massive leap.”