AU – RRT Lilydale provides Peter MacCallum with a staff BBQ Dec 2016

It is always inspiring to be among a group of people who are all incredibly dedicated and passionate about working together to reach a common goal. At the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne that is exactly what you will find. It is the world’s leading cancer research, education and treatment centre and is the only public hospital in Australia that is dedicated to caring for people affected by cancer. Their goal is to find a cure for cancer.

The VCCC – A masterpiece of architecture

This year the team at Peter Mac made a mark in history when they undertook the massive task of relocating the entire hospital to a new location at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. This 13 floor state-of-the-art cancer centre is the first time Peter Mac have had a building designed especially for them. It would have to be one of the best $1 billion dollar investments the Victorian government has ever made!

Within these 13 floors are world class clinic facilities for Peter Mac, including 160 inpatient beds, 110 same-day beds, eight operating theatres, two procedure rooms and eight radiation therapy bunkers. A special feature on the 7th floor is an outdoor 1400 square metre landscaped sanctuary that both staff and patients alike can enjoy. It also happens to be one of the largest rooftop gardens in Australia!

The RRT Lilydale team arrive an commence setup

It was in this sanctuary that the Lilydale Rapid Relief team were privileged to set up to serve the devoted team at Peter Mac a well-earned end of year celebration lunch. They arrived on the morning of December 7th to a rare beautiful day in Melbourne. With a perfectly blue sky and sweeping views of the city they enthusiastically began getting barbecues, eskys, food and serving tables in place.

One of the many happy customers

It was the second year that RRT had assisted Peter Mac with their end of year celebration lunch so they were confident that a delicious burger with the lot would be well received! It wasn’t long before the tantalizing aroma of freshly barbecued burgers were wafting around the 7th floor as the staff began enjoying their lunch. They were also treated to a delectable panna cotta for dessert which was well received in the warm weather.

A bird’s eye view

RRT served 750 meals to the Peter Mac staff who were very appreciative of what was provided. Their day to day job can be very stressful and they relished the food and the break in the beautiful setting within their own workplace – a home away from home. The Lilydale Rapid Relief team couldn’t be more thankful for the efforts and dedication of the staff at Peter Mac, and for the incredible job they do at treating patients with cancer.

“A well oiled machine”