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The federal money has come from the Building Better Regions program, with a further $5.1 million going to other projects in Ms Ley's electorate.
Hilltop's bid for the much sought-after funding was successful, Ms Ley said, because the project was a stand out candidate.
"It is regional and genuinely looks after patients and families from an enormous part of regional Australia," she said.
While federal funding is always clearly welcomed, the community's generosity when it comes to Hilltop cannot be overlooked.
Fight Cancer Foundation managing director Eric Wright says a further $1 million-plus will be the target amount for the latest public appeal to be launched to bankroll another 10 accommodation suites, wellness centre and gymnasium at Hilltop.
The initial build cost of $5.5 million included $3.2 million raised in a public appeal that was spearheaded by services clubs.
Hats off to this community, individuals and businesses and all of those that were involved in such an incredible fundraising effort, and the amount of work that would have gone into realising such a enormous amount of money.
But even so, the battle is not won and the foundation and its supporters will be looking for another $1 million-plus to help bankroll the next stage at Hilltop. It won't be easy. Times are tough, wages have stagnated and not too many household bills are going in any direction other than up.
But on past form, you would certainly be ill-advised to question the likely success of those involved in the fundraising, and their community. Time and again, across the Border and the North East, the generosity of its people is on show, from volunteers who give so willingly with their time to those that put their hand in their pocket.
The federal money is great news for those who have put in so much work, but the funding battle never ends.