Launched in March, the committee is aiming to raise $500,000 in two years to pay for extensions to Daffodil Cottage that will double its capacity to treat local cancer patients.

But after trouble with scammers claiming to be raising money for Daffodil Cottage, the cottage’s fundraising committee has come forward to introduce themselves to the community so everyone will recognise them when they are out and about. 

Committee member Robert Rawlings said this small enthusiastic group would work together to raise the money necessary to extend Daffodil Cottage.

“So if you see any of us out and about in the community, say hello and hand over a donation,” Mr Rawlings said.

So far the committee has raised more than $52,000.

When the promised funding arrives from the State Government, it will take the committee to a third of its target. 

“We are very pleased with the response so far,” Mr Rawlings said. 

The committee will have a stall in Stockland shopping centre during May and  Bathurst City Centre later in the year.

The committee:

*Peta Gurdon-O’Meara is a former mayor of Bathurst City Council and chair of the Daffodil Cottage Advisory Council.

She was instrumental in getting a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Government relating to the future of Daffodil Cottage.

She is also a patient of Daffodil Cottage and had extensive treatment there in 2001. She has been actively involved in the operation of the cottage ever since.

*Jane Rawlings has worked in the counselling centre at Sydney University and Charles Sturt University. She was also registrar at All Saints’ College for 16 years. 

Jane has been a volunteer at Daffodil Cottage for many years. Jane became a member of the fundraising committee because she believes this extension is absolutely vital for carrying out the work of Daffodil Cottage. 

*Paula Kinlyside grew up in Oberon and has been a teacher in the area for more than 35 years. 

While she was aware of Daffodil Cottage, it wasn’t until 2013 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer that she encountered all it had to offer.

Paula received treatment at the cottage and found it was like a warm and comfortable home where staff and volunteers demonstrated care, assurance and competence in every detail. 

*Robert Rawlings is a retired university lecturer at the University of NSW and Charles Sturt University.

A former Daybreak president, Robert came to Bathurst in 1983. He has had a long involvement with Daffodil Cottage. 

*John Trollor is a retired palliative care specialist and a prostate cancer survivor.

He recently received a national award for his 15 years’ work with prostate cancer support groups and is the current president of the Bathurst and District Prostate Cancer Support Group.

He is an active member of several community groups including the Perthville Village Association. Aged 77, he still plays veterans hockey.

*Kevin Shute is a cancer survivor. He worked extensively in the club industry such as the RSL and was associated with Bathurst Community Transport for five years.

He started growing his beard for the Daffodil Cottage Extension Project before entering the beard competition for the Christmas Miracle Appeal. He has had a strong interest in the hockey community for many years and has been a player and coach.

*Sue Lasky has managed Bathurst Women’s Housing for the last 14 years, providing housing and support for women and children in Bathurst.

She worked on an advisory committee assessing the needs for cancer services in Bathurst and joined the extension committee to support the invaluable and tireless work of staff and volunteers at the cottage.

*Rod Lorimer moved to Bathurst in 1977. Rod purchased a garage and mechanic business in Portland 33 years ago and recently sold the business to retire.

Rod lost his wife, Barbara, to thyroid cancer just two years ago. He appreciates the wonderful support Daffodil Cottage gave his wife and himself during these difficult times.

*Doug Kinlyside moved to Bathurst with the Central Mapping Authority in 1976 as a surveyor.

He has always been community-minded, even at an early age growing up in Young.

Doug joined Bathurst Apex, was involved in school P&F associations, joined Bathurst Daybreak Rotary in 2006 and is on an advisory committee to headspace.

In support of his wife Paula he saw firsthand the wonderful services provided by Daffodil Cottage staff and volunteers.