HEALTH Minister Jillian Skinner has paid tribute to the community of Bathurst for its passionate and committed support for Daffodil Cottage.
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Ms Skinner, who has been a long-time supporter of the cottage, performed the official opening of refurbishment works yesterday.
The cottage reopened its doors in February after five months of refurbishment and expansion works to increase its capacity to meet the growing needs of the community.
Daffodil Cottage has provided cancer treatment and care for Bathurst and surrounding communities for 20 years.
As part of the refurbishment, the number of treatment chairs has increased from five to 10, doubling the number of patients who are able to be treated at one time.
The NSW Government contributed $150,000 to the project and the community raised $732,000.
“This is an absolutely wonderful tribute to the community,” Ms Skinner said. “Daffodil Cottage can’t do anything but grow now.
“Not only was it a beautiful fit-out but it is really meeting the needs of this community. They have already put on extra staff.
“I love it. Daffodil Cottage is very special to me and always will be.”
Ms Skinner met with staff, volunteers and patients and also visited the Daffodil Cottage wig library.
She said the NSW Government could provide services, but there was nothing more special than a facility with community engagement.
“I’ve never heard of any community that is so supportive,” she said.
“Patients come from far afield – Lithgow, Blayney, Oberon. Where would they previously have gone? Sydney. Perhaps some to Orange. The idea that they can have this care so close to home is positively wonderful.”
Daffodil Cottage Advisory Committee chair Peta Gurdon-O’Meara spoke of the dedication of the fundraising committee.
“A two-year process turned out to be only a six-month one. It was an extraordinary effort,” she said. “We have a beautiful facility – a home away from home.
“I think it’s a big improvement on the previous facility, but it’s still the same Daffodil Cottage we love. I want to thank you all, from the smallest donation to the largest.
“There is something about Daffodil Cottage that goes to the heart of the community. That’s why we do this work. We do it for the community and for our patients.”
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said he was proud of Daffodil Cottage’s services.
Mayor Gary Rush and Western NSW Local Health District chief executive Scott McLachlan also spoke at the official opening.