SHEARWATER Lodge (SWL) will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Saturday 15 November.
Established as a Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour initiative to provide low-cost accommodation to Coffs Harbour Health Campus patients and their loved ones, Shearwater Lodge opened in 2005.
The project to build a patient and carers’ lodge began in 2000 and through a multitude of negotiations and fundraising, construction commenced on 27 November 2004.
The builder was Rotarian Rob Shone, the engineer was Rotarian Alan Mulhearn and the architect was Ross Colquhoun.
Many local suppliers and tradesmen provided donations or ‘at cost’ support.
R&R carpets supplied and laid all carpets and flooring free of charge, courtesy of Rotarian Bob Burns and his wife.
The Official Opening was on 9 August 2005.
“Caring and compassionate staff have been very important for the successful management of the patients at Shearwater Lodge,” Chairman Dr Paul Moran told News Of The Area.
John Moran, the original caretaker for eight years, was followed by Alan Reko and Mike Brown who provided seven years of extraordinary commitment to the patients both in and out of hours before retiring in January, 2024.
“The present staff of Natalie Watson and Sarah O’Reilly have, like our previous staff, received glowing tributes for their care and attention.
“SWL volunteers have made major contributions from the start.”
Many groups provided morning teas each week prior to COVID-19.
Plans are in place to re-commence these in 2026.
The Pacific Coast Quota Club has, since 2013, provided a three-course meal each Wednesday night.
Bonville/Sawtell Lions provide a meal monthly.
“Volunteers also provide buggy transport for patients undergoing treatment and other support measures.”
More than 1000 patients and their carers have used the Lodge over the last 20 years.
They have been assisted by the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) provided by the NSW State Government, the CanDo Foundation, and other such supports.
Income generated from Shearwater Lodge supports local cancer research and medical activities focused on cancer treatment.
“Sound financial management has enabled Shearwater Lodge, through its reserves, to donate $200,000 for two Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiation Programs (SABR) at the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute following advice from Professor Tom Shakespeare and staff.”
This is to treat prostate, kidney and other abdominal cancers more accurately and with fewer treatments.
“These SABR programs would not have been available to Coffs Harbour patients before the end of the decade had Shearwater Lodge not been able to sponsor their introduction.”
The board of Shearwater Lodge has now expanded to nine Rotarians including the original four, Paul Moran, Nev Hillenberg, Rob Mutton and Alan Mulhearn.
“There have been many generous individual donations including those from the late Allen Hogbin and Colin Scully.
Over the years, “Major donors have included The Cancer Council Of NSW, City Of Coffs Harbour, Federal Department of Transport and Regional Solutions, Lions International, Park Beach Plaza.”
By Andrea FERRARI
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