The work to redesign and extend the cottage comes in response to an increased demand for cancer treatment across the Bathurst region.

The development application approved by council allows for an addition to the existing cancer care facility as well as exterior and interior alterations to the existing cottage on Howick Street.

The DA stressed that the alterations have been designed to match the existing style of the building. 

The existing secure private courtyard with a northeasterly aspect will remain. So too will the existing visitor car parking in Howick Street. 

This car park was considered by council to be adequate for the parking needs of the development. 

Daffodil Cottage is a stand-alone facility located on the corner of Howick and Commonwealth streets in Bathurst. 

The facility has delivered treatment to cancer patients for 20 years. 

Patients at the cottage are provided with the services of a cancer care co-ordinator, dietician, occupational therapist, palliative care nurse, pathologist, pharmacist, physiotherapist, social worker, visiting medical and radiation oncologists and a breast care nurse.

More than just a treatment centre, Daffodil Cottage has developed a reputation for its atmosphere of warmth and friendliness.

Staff at the cottage provide a holistic approach, which includes specialist oncology consultation and treatment, counselling and ancillary health services.

Daffodil Cottage Building Extension Committee chairman Doug Kinlyside said the building’s expansion would cater for the ever-increasing number of cancer patients requiring chemotherapy and palliative care in the local area. 

“However, a project of this significance will require an injection of substantial funding,” Mr Kinlyside said.

“The Daffodil Cottage Building Extension Committee was formed in order to organise fundraising to extend the building and provide it with the necessary services and equipment.

“In this important bicentenary year, donations for the Daffodil Cottage building extension will be a concrete investment by the people of the region in the continuation of this important service into the future.”

Daffodil Cottage provides cancer treatment and care not only for the people of Bathurst, but the surrounding district, including Blayney, Oberon and Lithgow. 

Mr Kinlyside said the committee was optimistic that businesses and the wider communities would rally to ensure this expansion was completed.

A fundraising appeal launch will be held today to raise awareness of the committee’s goals.