The announcement that the new accommodation block at Macquarie Home Stay will be known as the CWA of NSW guesthouse has been met with acclaim by regional country women.

Macquarie Home Stay (MHS) in Dubbo provides affordable, low-cost but not low-quality accommodation for patients and their partner, or escort pre, during and post medical treatment.

The CWA of NSW guesthouse will provide an additional 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.

State president, Joy Beames says that the new building will support patients coming for treatment at the Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo.

“It is an honour for the association to be recognised in this way and valuable recognition for all the branches and members who have supported MHS over the years,” Joy said.

“We know how critical this kind of facility is for those in our rural and regional areas who have to travel for specialist hospital and medical care. 

“The availability of the affordable, comfortable and quality accommodation provided by the accommodation facility takes some of the worry out of what is already a stressful time for patients and their families. It will be an honour to have the association’s name attached to this latest expansion and we look forward to continuing our support into the future.”

MHS Managing Director, Rod Crowfoot said the CWA of NSW and their many branches are highly respected for making a positive change in rural communities.

“The board of MHS wanted to acknowledge the support the association has provided over the years,” he said. “We believe 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.”

In 2017 the CWA of NSW donated $420,000 for this much-needed project and at a recent meeting of the Castlereagh Country Group of CWA, members agreed to hold events early in the New Year to raise money to help furnish some of the new accommodation units.  

The CWA of NSW guesthouse is due to open in Spring 2024.