At a meeting earlier this month, Assoc. Prof. Picone told SHRA committee members SWSAHS was keen to work with SHRA to see the beginnings of the centre up and running at Bowral Hospital within the next 12 to 18 months.

"We are committed to establishing a renal dialysis satellite service for the local community of the Southern Highlands (and) we are currently planning for the development and location of this service," Assoc. Prof. Picone said.

"Our new clinical strategy for SWSAHS looks at the development of all clinical services to meet the growing needs of our community in Sydney's south west and incorporates the development of a renal dialysis unit at Bowral Hospital."

Proposed plans are for the initial renal dialysis centre to have three machines available for use, with two machines for full time use and a third on standby for people who can self dialyse or visitors to the region.

The centre will then increase machine numbers as demand dictates, with SWSAHS covering the centre's recurring costs and SHRA funding the equipment to establish the centre.

Discussions regarding the exact location for the centre at Bowral Hospital are continuing between SHRA and SWSAHS.

SHRA chairman Bob Barrett said the committee was pleased with the positive response they received from Assoc. Prof. Picone about the centre.

"She was very supportive and congratulated SHRA for its efforts in raising over $270,000 in such a short time," he said.

SHRA will meet with Professor Picone again in August.

SHRA has raised $270,000 since they first began their campaign, and the Bowral-Mittagong Rotary Club will contribute to the appeal after adopting the $70,000 water filtration plant needed for the centre as their Rotary Centenary Project.

The Lions clubs of the district are also actively working towards their goal of raising $125,000 for the dialysis machines, and have $85,000 more to raise.