Bendigo Regional Cancer Centre Showcases Commemorative Artwork Celebrating 20 Years of VICS

A powerful artwork by Victorian Aboriginal artist Vegas Fitzmaurice is on display at the Bendigo Regional Cancer Centre, marking both the beginning of NAIDOC Week and a significant milestone for Victoria’s cancer care community.

Commissioned by the Victorian Integrated Cancer Services (VICS) to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025, the painting, titled ‘Healing Journeys’, honours the strength, courage and hope of people affected by cancer, while recognising two decades of collaboration and improvement across Victoria’s Integrated Cancer Services.

The artwork is currently being displayed on behalf of the Loddon Mallee Integrated Cancer Service (LMICS) ahead of the LMICS Annual Forum, to be held on Wednesday 26 August.

A special feature of the work is the inclusion of 20 meeting places, representing the 20-year history of VICS and the partnerships that have driven progress in cancer care across Victoria. Through this symbolism, Healing Journeys acknowledges the profound impact of research, innovation and compassion in creating safer, more effective and more culturally responsive pathways for people affected by cancer.

This commission builds on Vegas Fitzmaurice’s previous work with VICS, including ‘Hope and Connection – Bunjil’, which supported implementation of the Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer.

By bringing together themes of culture, healing, resilience and community, Healing Journeys serves as both a celebration of how far cancer services have come over the past two decades and a reminder of the shared commitment to improving outcomes for all Victorians.

Visitors to the Bendigo Regional Cancer Centre can view the artwork throughout its display period before it travels to the LMICS Annual Forum in August, continuing its role as a symbol of connection, hope and progress in cancer care.

Read further details on this artwork. 

This painting will also be on display at LMICS Annual Forum: “What is Equity to You? From Awareness to Action: Reducing Inequity in Regional Cancer Care”, where we will explore how inequity shows up in everyday cancer care across regional and rural settings, and what we can do differently.