A COMMUNITY fundraising initiative has been launched to raise $2m for a new CT scanner at Rosebud Hospital.
Save Rosebud Hospital and Community Bank Southern Peninsula have launched the Big Picture Appeal to raise funds for the “much-needed” equipment.
Community Bank Southern Peninsula has pledged to match up to $250,000 in donations.
Sue Gilbert, head of the Save Rosebud Hospital campaign, said the current CT scanner is outdated, and it affects patients in the emergency department and hospital.
“If it gets too complicated, they have to be transferred to Frankston,” said Gilbert.
“And that means waiting, when it can be an emergency, or it also means waiting for transport, waiting for a bed somewhere else, and we don’t deserve that.”
One million dollars has already been raised through beneficiaries and donations.
“We have to raise $250,000, and Community Bank Southern Peninsula will match $250,000, and then we’ll have enough from a lot of people who have given beneficiaries and things to the hospital appeals,” said Gilbert.
“But it’s a lot to raise for residents who pay taxes all their lives, and then we have to turn around and donate money.”
Rosebud Hospital Auxiliary have donated $100,000, which the bank will match.
Dromana and Sorrento Bowls Clubs have also held fundraising days, where they have raised $2000 and $3000 respectively.
“What we’re trying to do is say, come on, local clubs get together, and $20 becomes $40, you know,” said Gilbert.
“The community support is gorgeous, but I mean, it’s sad that we all have to be doing this for essential medical equipment.”
Gilbert launched the Save Rosebud Hospital campaign shortly after COVID.
“There’s a culture down here that is unique, and we really are a community everywhere you go,” said Gilbert.
“Someone either knows someone or wants to help someone, and it’s a really lovely philosophy on the whole of the southern peninsula.”
She said the whole community is incredibly passionate about the future of Rosebud Hospital.
“We deserve a modern, fit-for-purpose hospital here in Rosebud, because nowhere else in the metropolitan area do you have to travel that distance for the next hospital,” said Gilbert.
She said the area is classified as metropolitan but is not treated that way.
“We’re not treated like it as far as funding and things like that,” said Gilbert.
“We just feel that we deserve better.”
Gilbert said she expects funding for a modern, fit-for-purpose hospital in Rosebud to play a big role in who residents choose to vote for in the upcoming state election.
“Frankston Hospital used PPP: private, public, partnership, and that’s how we would be more than happy to have our hospital done too,” said Gilbert.
“The private company builds it and then rents it back to the Department of Health on a reasonable rental price.”
Gilbert said if the elected government is happy with that system, she can “see a light at the end of the tunnel”.
Residents have previously campaigned for funding to be secured for Rosebud Hospital (“Hundreds of disgruntled locals rally to save Rosebud Hospital”, The News, 04/07/26).
You can find out more or donate at: rosebudhospitalbigpictureappeal.com.au.
First published in the Mornington News – 6 October 2026
