While there’s nothing wrong with the latter, the former Prime Minister told the crowd at a fundraising event yesterday, he certainly prefers being closer to home.

“I can vouch the needles go in better at the Albury-Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre … I want to salute everyone at the centre,” he said.

“They handle 250 people every day going through there, and that’s a terrific effort by some very dedicated people.

“We’re so lucky to have it.”

Mr Fischer has supported Sunshine Week, a major annual fundraiser for the centre, for the three years it has been running and opened a family day at the Kinross Woolshed on Sunday.

The week is organised by the Albury-Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund, a group that runs fundraising activities throughout the year which enable initiatives benefiting patients and their families.

Most recently the Trust Fund has committed $200,000 over three years to a counselling service at the Wellness Centre, which is being delivered by Clinical and Health Psychologist Anne-Marie Daw.

Trust fund chairman Grant Luff thanked the organisations and residents who supported the cause.

“Every dollar that is raised goes to the cancer centre and that is unique in the charity world,” he said.

“Please give generously because there will be a family member, friend or work colleague who uses the centre.”

Sunday’s event featured kid’s activities, entertainment, displays by the Albury and Border Rescue Squad, the SES, Albury police and the Defence Force, and fireworks.

Organiser Kristy McMahon said more than 40 volunteers, almost half of whom were there for the trust fund, made the day possible.

“Each year we try to make the event better,” she said.

Sunshine Week runs until Saturday, and on Wednesday the Wellness Centre will open its doors from 10am to 2pm for relaxation sessions and art sales – entry by a gold coin donation.

For details about other events, visit sunshineweek.org.au.