With COVID lopping off the original spring date in 2021 the organisers of Walgett's Floral Affair had difficulty finding a suitable date as Walgett's hectic social calendar reasserted itself in 2022.

They finally threw caution to the wind and went ahead with their day at the Showground in the dead of winter.

Their optimism was rewarded with a warm sunny day and a close-to-capacity flower bedecked crowd ready for some fun on Sunday 26 June.

"We capped the numbers at 150 for the catering," said Liz Powell, who put the event together with co-conspirator Beck McKenzie.

"The tickets sold out but then we lost 15 people on the day because a tummy bug had gone through the school and a number of families were affected."

Coonamble's favourite foodies, TP Catering, fed the patrons while The Fleur Collective from Lightning Ridge made the showground venue bloom.

"We were in the arena where they parade the horses and Wattsy (who looks after the showground) had the hedges and lawns in trim," Mrs Powell said.

"The next day was freezing but it was freakish how Sunday was bright and sunny."

Best floral outfit Carol Clarke. PHOTO Jo Coleman, Walgett Spectator.

As well as getting locals together, the event was to raise funds for the expansion of Macquarie Homestay, which provides a welcome haven for many families from the Walgett district when they have to stay in Dubbo to access medical services.

Both Mrs Powell and Mrs McKenzie are breast cancer survivors and underwent their treatment before Macquarie Homestay was built.

"I had to stay in Tamworth for my six week chemo treatment because they had accommodation," Mrs Powell said. "It meant I had to get a new doctor and was such a pain."

The disruption to families can be huge and Mrs McKenzie also had multiple implications, including how to care for and educate her son Jock during the time she needed to relocate for treatment.

"I had to rent a unit in Sydney and put Jock into primary school down there for six weeks," she said. "As I had him to consider, he couldn't stay at home with Peter because he had a business to run."

Both women say that having Macquarie Homestay available in Dubbo has made a huge difference to many people.

"A lot of girls from out here wait there when they're having babies," Mrs Powell said. "A lot of rural people use it. That's why they're doubling the number of units."

Kathleen Holcome Nicole Touhey Mel Ozoux and Giselle Taunton. PHOTO Jo Coleman, Walgett Spectator

In 2019 they were able to donate $10,000 to the Macquarie Homestay and Mrs Powell says they hope to contribute around $15,000 this time round with raffle tickets sold on entry, financial donations from Walgett Rugby Club, Stone's Throw cafe, and Down the Earth Opals, as well as other money raised on the day.

"We hope to fund something that they will remember us for," Mrs Powell said.

Guest speakers were Fiona Prentice (originally from Goodooga) who was a member of the founding board of directors for Macquarie Homestay and Jo Lindsay of Lost Sea Opals at Lightning Ridge who both spoke about their personal experiences which led to needing accommodation in Dubbo.

"When Jo's husband had an accident and his fingers were cut off, it was very late at night by the time they got to Dubbo and got him sorted. The hospital staff rang Macquarie Homestay and they came and picked Jo up."

"She had to stay down there for a long time and says they really looked after her so she's a very passionate supporter of the facility."

Best dressed Richard McKenzie Nicole Touhey Mardi Remond and Harley Warden. PHOTO COURTESY Jo Coleman, Walgett Spectator.

Attendees on the day dressed up in their florals, with many creating stunning floral headpieces.

Thanks to the generosity of many local businesses, prizes were given for those who dressed to impress in the floral theme.

Local artist Mardi Remond won Best Floral Headpiece, Carol Clarke blossomed in the Best Floral Outfit, while Harley Warden and Richard (Panther) McKenzie shared 'Best Floral Man'.

Prue Fleming and Jack Yeomans

The festive atmosphere at the Floral Affair was in full bloom with Jack Yeomans and Prue Fleming singing and playing guitar.

Donations for prizes were received from the following local sponsors: Karen Ricardo, Tracy Grant, Caroline Maxwell, Sally Montgomery, Lizes Lampshades, Pru Pike, Mel Ozoux, Enid Coupe, Beauty Matters Moree, Gateway Hotel Motel, Woodhams, North West Brahman, Stone's Throw, Blend & Co, Lost Sea Opals, Banjo & Co, Lighten Up, Giselle Taunton, Blue Duck Home, Sage & Clare, Dumble Collective, Lady Kate, Bi Rite, Ag N Vet, Nutrien Ag, Ezijak, Saddler & So, Cint Boutique, Clemson Hiscox, Down to Earth Opals, Jen McKenzie, Geronimo Farm Equipment, Cath Deshon, Karen Troy and Jo Morris.

BELOW: Annie OBrien Sue Scoles and Denise OBrien. PHOTO COURTESY Jo Coleman, Walgett Spectator