New total for the thermometer: $1.85M
SWAN Hill Jockey Club is aiming to raise $30,000 for the Mallee MRI Appeal at their Friday racing luncheon on April 4.
Luncheon attendees will be treated to a two-course smorgasbord, a five-hour drinks package and entertainment.
Comedian, Dave O’Neill, will emcee the event and perform a set, while Amazeo the Magician and Illusionist will interact with the audience along with a stage show, and Warren Davies will deliver his Unbreakable Farmer talk.
Swan Hill Jockey Club chief executive Aaron Garvie said the event is a chance for people to have a great day while contributing to the appeal.
“It’s rare you get to have such an action-packed day with so much entertainment, plus the race day itself for such a great cause,” he said.
“It’s a very important appeal for Swan Hill because as many people have said before, we need an MRI here.
“It’s a great service that we should have, and it shouldn’t be up to Swan Hill to find the money to pay for it, so any opportunity we have to help, we’ll take it.”
The luncheon package is $200 per person or $1800 for a table of 10, and the majority each ticket sale will be donated to the Mallee MRI Appeal.
Mr Garvie recommends that people get their tickets as early as possible to avoid missing out.
Tickets are available at swanhill.tickets.countryracing.com.au.
MRI Appeal Questions Answered
WE’RE delighted to share that our community has already raised an incredible $1.85 million towards the purchase of a MRI.
Thank you for your generosity and support – it truly makes a difference.
We’ve received questions about how much this MRI will actually cost and what’s involved in getting it up and running. Let’s break it down!
What’s included in the price tag?
The total estimated cost for the MRI setup is around $2.6 million. Here’s how that adds up:
– MRI machine $1,800,000 – This is the heart of the operation! A reliable and efficient scanner with the coils and removable bed that will help us provide top-notch imaging services.
– MRI safe wheelchair $35,000 – To ensure patient comfort and safety.
– Contrast injector $60,000 – Essential for certain types of scans.
– Chillers (two units) $280,000 – These weigh 400kgs each and are necessary to keep the machine cool and running smoothly.
– Concrete pad and fence $10,000 – Keeping the chillers secure and in place.
– MRI cabin (Faraday Cage) $350,000 – This special enclosure ensures the machine operates safely and effectively by reversing the effects of the magnets outside the room. It’s interesting to Google this if you are interested how it works!
– Specialised trade works $30,000 – Specific electrical and plumbing works with a specialised trade’s crew is necessary to connect this high-tech equipment.
– Control room glass $15,000 – To keep our radiographers connected to the action while ensuring patient safety.
-Additional paraphernalia $20,000 – Budget set aside for sound proofing and cabinetry
SHDH is currently under construction to build the new radiology department where the MRI will live.
An application to the Victorian Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund to fund the fit out will occur in late 2025.
In early 2026 the shell build for radiology will be complete and fit out can begin.
SHDH anticipates an opening date in mid-2026 for the new MRI.
If you have any questions regarding the MRI or would like to arrange someone to speak at your community group about SHDH’s fundraising please contact communications@shdh.org.au
