Ricky Ponting today notched up one thousand centuries in his home State - not on the cricket field, but through a $100,000 State Government donation to kick-start the Australian captain’s fundraising efforts for Tasmanian children with cancer.

Premier David Bartlett joined Ricky and his wife Rianna to visit the Paediatric Outpatient Clinic and Oncology Unit at the Royal Hobart Hospital, where the Premier handed over the cheque - which makes a significant dent in the Ponting Foundation’s $500,000-plus fundraising target in Tasmania.

“The State Government is delighted to help the Ponting Foundation get some runs on the board when it comes to helping fight childhood cancer and to supporting Tasmanian families who have a child living with cancer,” Mr Bartlett said.

“Ricky Ponting is one of the best-known Tasmanian on the planet and it’s fantastic that he has chosen to put so much work into assisting children in need, here at home.”

In November last year the Ponting Foundation announced a three-year project – Hitting Childhood Cancer for Six – to raise in excess of half a million dollars for affected Tasmanian families.

Mr Bartlett said the money raised would be used to directly improve services and support for Tasmanian children living with cancer and their families.

“Funds will be used to improve the existing MRI scanners at the Royal Hobart and Launceston General hospitals and assist with the training of nurses,” he said.

“It will also enable us to employ and train a psychologist, dietician and additional social workers; purchase new paediatric surgical instruments; deliver a program of music therapy and provide an additional pool of direct financial assistance.

“While the fundraising target is significant, Tasmanians are renowned for their generosity and I am confident people will take a lead from the Government in supporting Ricky, and give as much as they can towards this very worthy cause.”

Mr Bartlett said the fundraising program would involve a one-off special event in the State in each of the next three years; an employee-employer corporate giving effort for local businesses; a wider community donation scheme, and the continuation of the ‘Run Ricky Run’ program where Tasmanians are able to sponsor the Aussie captain for every run he scores.

Further information: Tasmanian Government Communications Unit
Phone: (03) 6233 6573

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