Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Premier Kristina Keneally  joined Gail O’Brien, widow of the late-Professor Chris O’Brien, to turn the first sod on a new centre of excellence for cancer treatment and research, the Lifehouse at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

 Ms Keneally said the new facility will be a fitting legacy for Professor Chris O’Brien, a renowned head and neck surgeon and integrated cancer treatment advocate.

 “Professor O’Brien was a truly great Australian and a wonderful advocate for sufferers of this terrible disease,” Ms Keneally said.

 “He was committed to ensuring that the very highest quality care and treatments were available to everyone in the community. He never gave up on his pursuit of an integrated cancer research and treatment model and I am pleased the NSW Government has been able to support the Lifehouse project”, added Ms Keneally.

  “This world-class facility is vital to strengthening cancer research and care in NSW and demonstrates the NSW Government’s continued commitment to improving survival rates and quality of life for people with cancer,” Ms Keneally said.

 Work will begin on the $180 million first stage of the Lifehouse project in January 2010 with the facility expected to be completed by late 2012.