Community
8 May, 2026
Homegrown dahlias support cancer centre
WARRNAMBOOL’S South West Regional Cancer Centre has received a donation thanks to the efforts of one Weerite resident selling homegrown dahlias in Camperdown.
Kylie Spokes donated a total of $550 towards the centre, where she said her sister was currently receiving treatment for bowel cancer.
“When she went through the first round, we held a morning tea at the shire and raised funds which went towards replacing a chemotherapy chair,” she said.
“This time, I had an excess of dahlias because I have been growing lots of them and had lots of flowers, so I thought I’d see if people would like to buy a bunch of dahlias and donate the proceeds to the cancer centre.
“I donated $400, but since then I had another $150 donated from other people who wanted to make a donation which was really lovely.
“While it’s not going to fix anything, it’s a small thing I can do to thank them for the time and effort they’re putting in to help my sister.”
Mrs Spokes said she had been growing dahlias at home, with her husband describing her garden of over 40 varieties as an “addiction to dahlias”.
“I was growing 40 different varieties this year on our farm, and I had lots of flowers and people have been enjoying them,” she said.
“I sold a few at our guides garage sale we had earlier in the year, and found people enjoy them and enjoy their colour and shape.
“I thought people might like to buy them, and people in Camperdown are very generous in supporting good causes and they didn’t disappoint.”
South West Healthcare community partnerships manager Suzan Morey said South West Healthcare, who operate the cancer centre, was thrilled with Mrs Spokes’ generosity.
“Kylie’s donation to our chemotherapy and clinical trials unit in the South West Regional Cancer Centre was a lovely surprise,” she said.
“To be able to raise a lot of money from growing and then selling bunches of beautiful dahlias is really impressive.
“There’s so much fundraising always going on for so many wonderful charitable causes that finding a way to do it differently is really impressive.”
Mrs Spokes said she was looking to continue her sale of dahlias for charity next year once they grow again.
“I think it’s a very worthy cause, and it’s been wonderful for my sister because she’s been able to have her cancer treatment close to home,” she said.
“If nor for the centre, many people would have to go to Melbourne and be away from their families and friends for months on end whereas my sister has been able to stay at home, still be there for her work, family and interests, and that has help enormously with her getting through her treatment in a way which is bearable and aiding in her recovery from the treatment.
“I want to thank everyone who bought the flowers – there were a lot of people I hadn’t even met before who bought flowers because they wanted to support the cause.”