Melanoma Centre build hits major milestone

15 June 2023
Alfred Health CEO Andrew Way, Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas MP, major donor Paula Fox and Prof Claire Wakefield from the Minderoo Foundation at the topping out event.

Work on the $152.4 million Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre has reached a major milestone, with the building structure reaching its highest point at level seven.

Major donor Paula Fox and her son Andrew were joined by Victorian Minister for Health, the Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP, and representatives from project partners Minderoo Foundation and Monash University to celebrate the achievement.

The support of project partners will help The Alfred redefine the delivery of cancer care, said Alfred Health chief executive Prof Andrew Way AM.

“What we plan to do here will bring research outcomes directly from the bench to the bedside,” Prof Way said.

“This work, and our partnerships, are a national effort as we band together to battle Australia’s cancer as well as other rarer cancers.”

The build is set to become one of the most iconic build projects in recent Victorian history, with as many as 1000 glass panels, weighing up to 700kg each, being installed to create a skin-like façade on the structure.

Planned to open in 2024, the centre will bring together leading skin cancer specialists and dedicated multi-disciplinary teams to ensure patients have the best access to care.

Carefully designed to promote a holistic approach to care, the purpose-built centre will integrate technology to break down barriers to care and promote early detection. 

“A focus on clinical research and partnerships, with support from both the Federal and State Government, Minderoo Foundation and Monash University, means patients will have the best access to the best treatment available,” Prof Way said.

“At its essence, we’re partnering with patients, on all stages of their cancer journey while they remain at the very centre of their care.”  

The project is supported by the Victorian Government, Australian Government, Monash University, Paula Fox and the Fox Family, Minderoo Foundation, and other generous philanthropists.

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