20 February 2025 | Tennis Victoria

In 2023, the Swan Hill District Health (SHDH) MRI Appeal was launched with a clear goal: to bring a much-needed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner to the local community. For years, the residents of Swan Hill and surrounding areas have faced the burden of traveling at least two hours each way for critical scans that could mean the difference between early detection and delayed treatment.

While planning for Country Week 2025, Tennis Victoria learned about the appeal during a meeting with the local council. Committed to making a meaningful impact, Tennis Victoria saw an opportunity to ensure the tournament contributes to both the tennis community and the broader local community, in a lasting way.

An MRI is an advanced medical imaging technique that provides detailed pictures of the body’s internal structures without the need for invasive procedures. It is the gold standard in diagnostic imaging for a range of musculoskeletal, spinal, neurological, and abdominal conditions, playing a crucial role in early diagnosis. Despite its importance, Swan Hill and its neighbouring towns have lacked this service, forcing individuals and families to bear the burden of travel, time, and expense.

Swan Hill District Health CEO, Peter Abraham highlighted the significance of a new MRI machine. “The new MRI will bring this much needed and vital equipment to the Swan Hill catchment community providing greater access to care closer to home. A conservative estimate is that at least 10 people per day from our community currently travel a minimum of 2 hours to have an MRI, placing a considerable burden on individuals and their families. We also know that when it comes to traveling for care, many people are deferring the test due to not being able to take the time away from work or family, incurring the cost of travel or are experiencing illness, preventing travel.”

Recognising this barrier and urgent need, SHDH partnered with businesses, organisations, and individuals in a determined effort to bring an MRI scanner to the region. An MRI at SHDH is expected to serve approximately ten patients per day – ten people who will no longer have to endure long journeys for the care they deserve. “The MRI campaign kicked off with a generous donation from a much-loved former Resident of Swan Hill, Elva Piper who lost her battle to Cancer,” Peter explained. “So far, we have raised $1.7m of our $2.6m target and are on track for a mid-2026 commencement of this service.”

To help support this vital cause, Tennis Victoria proudly contributed to the appeal as part of the 2025 Country Week event. Wanting to give back to the community that warmly welcomes this iconic tournament, a portion of the official merchandise sales was donated to the SHDH MRI Appeal. Exclusive Country Week 2025 merchandise – featuring a custom Swan Hill-inspired graphic – was available for purchase at the event, with proceeds going directly to the appeal. “We are very cognisant of the economic and health value that Country Week has to the local community and feel very privileged to be a beneficiary of this event.” Peter added.

Tennis Victoria is committed to ensuring that tournaments create a lasting positive impact on our regional communities. Country Week is more than just a tennis tournament – it’s a celebration of regional communities and the people who make them special. By supporting this initiative, Tennis Victoria hopes to inspire others to give back, strengthening communities both on and off the court.

Tennis Victoria CEO, Kim Kachel emphasised the significance of this initiative: “Country Week has a rich tradition of bringing people together, and we’re thrilled to use this platform to support such an important cause. This is a fantastic way for teams to make a real impact while enjoying the tournament.”

This partnership was about more than just medical equipment – it was about ensuring that families in Swan Hill and surrounding areas have timely access to essential healthcare without unnecessary barriers. Every contribution has played a role in transforming local healthcare, bringing vital diagnostic services closer to home.

For those who would like to further support the MRI Appeal, donations can be made here.

February 9: Welcome dinner. Tennis Victoria Country Week Swan Hill

February 9: Welcome dinner. Tennis Victoria Country Week Swan Hill