The appeal passed $1 million on Wednesday with a $4330 donation from the Nowra Ministers’ Association.

The continued community support has placed the Shoalhaven in a great position to gain one of 10 comprehensive cancer care centres being funded by the Federal Government.

NSW Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), Frank Sartor, who was in Nowra on Wednesday, said he was confident NSW would gain three of the planned 10 centres nationally.

He said a cancer care centre in the Shoalhaven was in the top three projects, along with Gosford and Tamworth, the State Government would be submitting to the Commonwealth by the January 8 deadline.

Mr Sartor praised the obvious community support for a cancer care centre in the Shoalhaven, saying support was important because the Commonwealth funding came with the requirement the centres be up and running within three years.

Linear accelerator appeal committee chairman and Shoalhaven Mayor Paul Green said he was delighted the local effort was being given a high priority by the State Government.

“We’re definitely in the top three,” Cr Green said.

“From insiders, we’re probably in the top two, but optimistically we’re the state’s top priority,” he said.

“It is essential that we work with the NSW Government to ensure that the Shoalhaven cancer care centre is top of the NSW submission for Federal Government funding for cancer health care centres.”

Communities throughout NSW have submitted applications for part of the Commonwealth’s $560 million in funding for 10 centres, but, “Out of all them we’re the only one with $1 million of out own money,” Cr Green said.

“We’re the only ones who have put our money where our heart is.”

On top of the fundraising, Shoalhaven was also represented by a “thorough, and first-class submission,” Cr Green said.

He thanked South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health chief executive officer, Terry Clout, and his team for helping put together the submission.

“Mr Clout has been a strong supporter of a cancer care centre with a linear accelerator, and we have worked in collaboration to help provide a vision for a centre that will provide help to our citizens well into the future,” Cr Green said.

After the million dollar mark was reached on Wednesday, Cr Green said funds raised over the past few years were testament to the community’s perseverance and strength.

“During my time as mayor I have been constantly presented with funds from individuals and community, sporting and other associations in the city,” Cr Green said.

“This overwhelming support for the linear accelerator appeal gives me great joy that we can achieve these major milestones with the support of the generous people here.”

Cr Green said phase two of the fund raising would be announced in early 2010.