Media Releases

Macquarie Home Stay accommodation expansion to recognise long-term support from CWA of NSW

14 November 2023

14 November 2023

Macquarie Home Stay accommodation expansion to recognise long-term support from CWA of NSW

Macquarie Home Stay (MHS) in Dubbo will embark on the expansion of their current patient accommodation facilities this year, with the new precinct to be named the “CWA of NSW Guesthouse” in recognition of the association’s support over many years.

MHS is a purpose-built accommodation facility for people accessing medical services in Dubbo. The facility opened in January 2019 with 17 units and provides accommodation for people in the central west, north western and western districts of NSW who must travel to Dubbo to access medical treatment. 

Rod Crowfoot, MHS Managing Director, said CWA of NSW members across the state advocated for vibrant and resilient rural and regional communities, and were big supporters of the role Macquarie Home Stay played in supporting these communities.

“The CWA of NSW and their many branches are highly respected and make positive change in our communities. The board of MHS wanted to acknowledge the support the association has provided over the years, and believed the naming rights to this important expansion recognise the valuable role the association has played in not only supporting us, but supporting the communities from where our patients and their loved ones travel to stay with us,” Rod said.

The CWA of NSW’s association with MHS began in 2015 when the Dubbo branch sold its CWA Rooms in Wingewarra St, with part of the proceeds donated to Macquarie Home Stay. The association also agreed to donate an additional $120,000 in order to sponsor a whole pod of rooms. Rod said in the time since, branches from across regional NSW had continued to donate to and advocate for MHS. 

President of the CWA of NSW, Joy Beames, said it was an honour for the association to be recognised in this way, and valuable recognition for all the branches and members who had supported MHS over the years.

“We know how critical this kind of facility is for those in rural and regional areas who have to travel for specialist medical care. The availability of the affordable, comfortable and quality accommodation provided by MHS takes some of the worry out of what’s already a stressful time for patients and their families, and on behalf of our members I thank the organisation for providing this option for country communities. It will be an honour to have the association’s name attached to this latest expansion and we look forward to continuing our support of MHS into the future,” Joy said.

The CWA of NSW Guesthouse will provide 26 self-contained units incorporating one-bed, two-bed and family units, as well as a spacious common room with kitchen, dining and living areas, guest laundry facilities and outdoor living spaces. It is due to open in Spring 2024. It’s not the first time MHS has acknowledged a major donor in this way, with the first stage of MHS named the Toyota Tour de OROC Guesthouse, in recognition of the fundraising event’s significant financial support.

Rod said it was important to also acknowledge the many other contributions from individuals, organisations, businesses, and local and state governments that had made this new building project possible and was necessary due to the high level of demand for accommodation.

“This expansion supports the hundreds of patients receiving treatment at the Western Cancer Centre every year, where stays can be from one night up to about six weeks in duration. Whether it be for specialist appointments, test and scans, surgeries, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other oncology treatments, this accommodation expansion provides customised and appropriate patient accommodation at a very reasonable cost,” Rod said.

Media contact: Macquarie Home Stay - Managing Director Rod Crowfoot on 0427 275 755. 

President CWA of NSW Joy Beams and Kylie Galbraith (Seftons) on 0411 480 208.