We know that remote and rural NSW are some of the most wonderful places to live. But often we miss out on things that we need, like specialist care which can be hours away from home.
Macquarie Homestay at Dubbo aims to provide that care and even a home away from home. For residents of the Mudgee-Gulgong region and other parts of Northern and Western NSW, it offers access to treatment they can’t receive locally including cancer care, dialysis, high-risk pregnancies and specialist appointments.
There are also three different facilities available for guests who need to stay for their treatment including the Tour de OROC Guesthouse, the CWA of NSW Guesthouse and the Christine Griffiths Units.
Glencore Coal has partnered with the Macquarie Homestay, contributing $245,000 to expand the accommodation offering, which is often the missing piece for families needing treatment away from home.
The money fully funded five fully furnished two-person units and upgrades to shared outdoor areas including a pergola, barbecue, deck and lounge seating.
Managing Director for Macquarie Homestay Rod Crowfoot said that accommodation is often the missing piece for families who have to travel for treatment.
“We see people at incredibly vulnerable points in their lives. Having somewhere they can stay, without worrying about the extra financial or emotional load, helps ease the pressure so they can focus on their health and family.
“We are really, really thankful for Glencore’s support in being able to help provide guest rooms for people to come and stay, along with great outdoor spaces that people can enjoy during the course of the day. It makes the time away from home a little easier, a little bit more bearable,” he said.
Dubbo is a key treatment hub for many regional and remote communities including those near Glencore’s Ulan Coal operation near Mudgee.
Ulan’s Environment and Community Manager Lucy Stuart said the facility fills a genuine need in the community.
“The Macquarie Homestay is a really important asset to have for our local community. Having the Macquarie Homestay in Dubbo means there’s accommodation that families and partners of people receiving treatment can come and stay with their loved ones.”
Craig Strudwick, Glencore Coal Social Performance Manager, said the partnership addresses a long-recognised gap in regional care.
“For many families, accessing treatment far from home adds stress at an already difficult time. Supporting Macquarie Homestay means people can focus on their health while staying close to the people who matter most.
“The partnership really aligns well with Glencore’s approach to community investment, aiming to improve access to care in the regions where we operate, and helping to build greater health equity across regional Australia.”
