Tag Archive for: Lilier Lodge

40 cents per km ‘not enough’: Call to increase rural medical travel subsidy

Steph Cooke wants more support for those who have to travel for medical appointments. Photo: Steph Cooke MP.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has called on the NSW Government to increase subsidy rates for patients who have to travel to another town for medical treatment.

Under the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS), financial assistance can be provided to patients who must travel for specialist medical treatment not available locally. The payment can cover a portion of the travel and accommodation costs.

However, patients using a private vehicle receive only 40 cents per kilometre and must travel at least 100 kilometres one-way to qualify.

Ms Cooke said the current criteria left patients in towns such as Narrandera, Temora and Cootamundra without support when travelling to Wagga Wagga for specialist care.

“Specialist services cause patients enough financial pressure, without factoring in how you will afford to get to appointments, and the last thing we want to see is patients delay care because of this,” Ms Cooke said.

“Specialist care isn’t just around the corner in rural NSW, and even a short trip can mean hours on the road and a tank of fuel people simply can’t afford, especially today.”

Richard Moffat, who runs Lilier Lodge and Wagga Can Assist, said he’d noticed more and more families struggling since petrol and diesel prices started skyrocketing.

“We are starting to see regional cancer patients from as close as Henty seeking accommodation support in Wagga because the cost of travelling back home is more than staying here the night,” Mr Moffatt said.

“Generally, people who live in towns like Temora, Henty and Junee will go home at the end of their treatment, but that has changed over the past two weeks.”

Ms Cooke is also calling for IPTAAS to be expanded to cover patients travelling for life-saving screening, as well as an increase to accommodation subsidies, which currently sit at $75 per night for short stays and $120 for longer stays.

The cheapest price for a night’s accommodation in Wagga on Saturday night (11 April) purchased through booking.com is $87 for a single room with no private bathroom. The average price is around $170.

“The last thing they should be worrying about is how they’re going to pay for a place to stay, so we need subsidies to reflect the real cost of a night away from home,” Ms Cooke said.

“Early detection saves lives, but it only works if people can afford to get there.

“We should be encouraging people to access screening, and investing in this now reduces pressure on the health system later and leads to better outcomes for patients.”

Beyond a diagnosis: how rising fuel prices are impacting the most vulnerable

Donelle Ryan found a home at Lilier Lodge but with the increasing demand following fuel prices, Lilier Lodge is worried some might rethink about their treatment.

Donelle Ryan is sharing her struggle with travelling to Wagga after her husband was given six to 12 months to live, as fuel prices become a burden on top of it all.

Mrs Ryan’s husband was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2026 and has had to travel to Wagga for his treatment from Berremangra.

The cost-of-living crisis and soaring fuel prices have added to the challenging journey for the family.

“It’s a terrible thing – you think cancer and you’re in shock and then the next thing is money,” Mrs Ryan said.

“I mean you shouldn’t have to actually go to that but you’ve got no choice but to go to it.

“Just to fill up my car on half was $80 and it’s gone up since then.”

Mrs Ryan has found a home at Lilier Lodge, where they provide free accommodation for regional cancer patients and families.

However, Lilier Lodge’s Richard Moffatt said since the rise of fuel prices, demand has increased by 15 per cent.

“We run normally at around 85 per cent occupancy rate, but at the moment we’re running at 100 per cent occupancy rate,” Mr Moffatt said.

Donelle Ryan and Liliar Lodge’s Richard Moffatt call on the government to help regional cancer patients during the fuel crisis.

Mr Moffatt called on the federal and state governments to help regional charities struggling in such challenging times.

“The cost of going through cancer in the regions compared to the city is massive,” he said.

“What I’m calling on the federal government to do is to pause the fuel excise for anybody living in a regional postcode.

“Then what I’m calling on the state government to do is to ensure public transport services like TrainLink and the XPT are free for regional people.”

Some treatment like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be done over a lunchtime break of work but regional areas who don’t have the services nearby and have to travel hundreds of kilometres have to leave their jobs and usually stay in for weeks in town like Wagga.

Mr Moffatt said although the fuel and the rise in the cost of living are impacting the entire country, there are “too many city politicians” who do not understand the burden regional people are going through.

Mr Moffatt said this will not only help charities keep providing life-saving services but will also assist farmers and other services.

Greyhound Racing NSW has announced from March 27, travel subsidies for participants taking one greyhound to a race meeting will increase from $60 to $100 due to fuel prices.

Racing NSW has also announced a $1.5 million fuel relief package to ease the financial pressure on NSW trainers, owners and jockeys.

Help from the government would mean families like Mrs Ryan’s would not have to worry about such challenges while going through some of the hardest times in their lives.

“I went into shock when I found out my husband had cancer … but if the government would help just to take pressure off us country people who need the help, it would mean so much to us all,” Mrs Ryan said.

Mr Moffatt said if the situation continues as it is, families and patients might rethink having treatment.

“What I’m worried about is there will be regional people that will be sitting at home deciding if they would continue their treatment,” he said.

 

colypointobserver.com.au

March 30 2026

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Can Assist call for fuel tax to be waived to help rural cancer patients during crisis

The general manager of a Wagga cancer charity says the Federal Government needs to urgently remove fuel taxes for those who live in rural postcodes, to ensure people can still afford to travel to receive lifesaving medical treatment.

Richard Moffat runs Lilier Lodge and Wagga Can Assist, which provides subsidised accommodation and financial assistance to those suffering from long-term illnesses and their families.

“We are starting to see regional cancer patients from as close as Henty seeking accommodation support in Wagga because the cost of travelling back home is more than staying here the night,” Mr Moffatt said.

“Generally, people who live in towns like Temora, Henty and Junee will go home at the end of their treatment, but that has changed over the past two weeks.”

Mr Moffatt says soaring fuel prices are now a major barrier to accessing basic health services – particularly for those in small towns who have to travel long distances to see specialists.

“We know this crisis is affecting farmers and truck companies, but there’s also families who have to travel to Wagga for an appointment, x-ray or radiotherapy,” he said.

Under the NSW Government’s Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Scheme (IPTAAS), residents can apply to be reimbursed for part of their expenses if they have to travel more than 100 km for treatment.

“But you don’t get any support whatsoever from government if you travel less than that. There will be regional people who forgo treatment simply because they cannot afford to travel,” Mr Moffatt said.

“The Federal Government could remove the fuel excise and the GST from fuel for anyone living in a regional or rural postcode noting that those people living outside the major cities are more susceptible to the rising cost of fuel.”

The fuel tax is around 51 cents and is included in the price of every litre of fuel sold in Australia.

Mr Moffatt said the tax could be waived temporarily during the crisis and that politicians could also make public transport more accessible.

“I’m calling on the NSW Government to explore a targeted initiative to enable country cancer patients to access New South Wales TrainLink (XPT) services at no cost where rail is a viable option to attend treatment,” he said.

Last week, Treasurer Jim Chalmers ruled out any cuts to fuel taxes.

“When it comes to the fuel excise, that’s not something that we’ve been considering,” he told a recent press conference.

Olga Forner, who runs Griffith Can Assist, said she’d found the fuel crisis had been manageable, but it was a matter on the agenda for her next meeting.

“At the moment, the biggest complaint from families we help is the cost of the medical services themselves. We have a lot of people who now have to travel to Wagga for an MRI or an ultrasound, because there’s such a long wait in Griffith. The cost can be almost as high as $1000 for an MRI, and Medicare doesn’t cover it,” she said.

“But rising fuel costs will just add to expenses. One thing the NSW Government should look at doing is broaden eligibility for IPTASS, so you get support if you’re travelling less than 100 km.”

regionriverina.com.au

27 March 2026

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Huge crowd turns out for inaugural Wagga race day backing Can Assist

Music was provided by Aleyce Simmonds. Photo by Kabel Dawes.

 

The sun was out and so was the community spirit at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club on Saturday, as a crowd of more than 1200 turned out to support the inaugural Can Assist Charity Race Day.

While seven local races provided plenty of trackside thrills, the family-friendly atmosphere was the day’s big winner.

A jam-packed Kids Fun Zone kept the little ones entertained, two-time Golden Guitar award winner Aleyce Simmonds provided the soundtrack for the afternoon, and punters kept one eye on the big screen for live coverage of The Everest from Royal Randwick.

The event was a new partnership between the MTC and Can Assist Wagga, designed to raise vital funds and awareness for regional cancer patients, and leaders from all organisations were thrilled with the result.

 

Majella Gallagher, Gerry Grant, Mardi Walker, Natalie Philps from Can Assist. Picture by Kabel Dawes

 

Lilier Lodge General Manager and Can Assist Wagga representative Richard Moffatt said the charity “jumped at the opportunity” to host the race day.

“We are thrilled with our first race day in partnership with the MTC, as it allows for vital funds and awareness to be raised for cancer patients in NSW,” he said.

MTC chief executiveJason Ferrario praised the collaboration.

“The Can Assist team has been fantastic to work alongside in bringing this day to life. Raising vital funds and awareness for cancer patients is close to many people’s hearts and a cause we are proud to be aligned with,” he said.

The sentiment was shared by John Nixon, president of Can Assist Wagga.

“The day has gone fantastically and the MTC has done a great job,” he said.

“My volunteers have done a great job; today is about raising money, but also getting our name out there, as people don’t know who we are.”

Watching families enjoy the atmosphere, he added, “today is all about the family, and there are kids having fun in the play area, and it’s great.”

Following the strong turnout, the MTC is confident the charity day will become a cornerstone of its annual calendar. As Mr Ferrario put it, “from little things, big things grow.”

 

dailyadvertiser.com.au

October 20 2025

Can Assist Race Day at Murrumbidgee Turf Club

The inaugural Can Assist Race Day built by Steel Supplies is set to bring the Murrumbidgee Turf Club alive on Saturday. 

 

With clear skies predicted and people aplenty expected to converge on Wagga Wagga’s Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC), the Can Assist Race Day built by Steel Supplies has set its sights on one goal: raising money for regional cancer support.

With seven races providing the on-course action, a Golden Guitar Award winner entertaining throughout the day, some of the best food in town on offer and one of the region’s best venues setting the scene, Lilier Lodge general manager and Can Assist representative Richard Moffatt believes the MTC is the place to be this Saturday (18 October).

“The race day was formerly known as Kurrajong Race Day, and it ran for about 30 years,” Mr Moffatt said.

“It unfortunately ceased in 2022. At the start of the year, MTC approached us looking for another charity to jump on board for the long term.

“Being a local charity that looks after regional cancer patients, we’ve grabbed it by the horns. This is our first attempt at giving it a crack, but we’re hoping to get around 3000 people in attendance at the event this Saturday.

“Gates open at 12 o’clock. It’s going to be a family-friendly day, in line with what our charity does.

“We’ve got seven local races. There are three major races also being shown around the ground, being the Everest, the Kosciusko and the Caulfield Cup. We’ve got a very large children’s entertainment and gaming area. We’ve got fashions on the field, lots of food and lots of live, local music options as well.”

Mr Moffatt highlighted the importance of days such as the Can Assist Race Day built by Steel Supplies, which support not only the charity but also the people it serves.

“Having cancer in the regions is an expensive and exhaustive exercise,” he said.

“If you’re fortunate enough to live in a place like Sydney or Melbourne, getting quality of care and access to your treatments is quite easy. But as we know, in the regions, when you’ve got cancer, you’ve got large distances to travel.

“What we do here at Can Assist is look after the practical side of the cost of having cancer. This is where the partnership with Lilier Lodge comes in.”

Lilier Lodge is a Wagga facility for cancer patients to use when travelling for treatment, and has worked in partnership with Can Assist in providing accommodation for the patients.

“We’ve got people from Hay, Hilston and Tumbarumba who use the lodge and stay here for up to six weeks for treatment,” Mr Moffatt said.

“While we provide them with basically free accommodation, we can also provide support with their petrol, their travel costs, and if they have to go to Sydney or Melbourne for even bigger cancer treatments, we cover those costs as well.

“So it’s just really about making sure that regional people have the same access to treatment as city people have.”

Mr Moffatt said he was looking forward to seeing the many volunteers and supporters enjoy a day at the track while also helping a good cause. He does, however, warn against taking his advice when trying to tip a winner.

“My advice is not to listen to me when it comes to horse racing. I’m an absolute shocker,” he joked.

“We’re meant to be looking at 25 degrees and perfect sunshine.

“It’s a great day to come down and have a beer and a sausage sizzle. And if you’re into it, have a bit of a punt. And all in the name of a local charity and cancer patients.”

 

 

regionriverina.com.au

14/10/2005

Lilier Lodge’s Margaret Dalmau ready to call time

Lilier Lodge accommodation manager Margaret Dalmau will retire at the end of 2024.

 

After nine years, Margaret Dalmau is saying farewell to Lilier Lodge.

However, it likely won’t be a final goodbye to the place which has gifted her a lifetime of memories.

Ms Dalmau has decided to retire from the role of accommodation manager at Lilier Lodge – a home away from home for cancer patients (and others) who travel long distances for treatment – in December after holding the position since 2016.

“It’s been an honor to be able to support all those people and make their journeys just that little bit easier while they’ve been staying with us,” she said.

“It’s just been a wonderful journey for me being here.

“I think now it’s time for me to move on.”

Lilier Lodge is more than just bricks and mortar to Ms Dalmau, and many of the guests, rather it’s a place where people can be supported, have fun and be recognised.

“People are more than what brings them to the lodge, they’re more than the illness,” she said.

“We try and basically lessen their stress while they’re here and normalise their lives a bit.”

The 65-year-old’s path to managing Lilier Lodge wasn’t exactly straightforward.

She has a social welfare background, previously working for the health services, but it was after travelling around Australia with her partner, which led to managing caravan parks, she developed the unique set of skills needed for the job.

“When this job was advertised I thought ‘that’s a really good mix of my skills’,” she said.

“Coming from the social welfare background and that empathy that you really need, and then the accommodation experience … and that business acumen … you need both.”

Ms Dalmau is proud of what her and her team have been able to achieve over the years, including the culture and premises.

“When I first came here there weren’t any activities, the guests just entertained themselves, you could say,” she said.

“Often they got together and had a meal together and stuff like that.

“We’ve instituted morning teas … every Tuesday, we have a different community group come each Wednesday night and host a dinner for all the guests, we have Tai Chi general exercise.”

The building is 20 years old now – which was celebrated in May – and has required quite a few improvements over the years.

“The veggie garden and the deck … and shade sails over the car park,” she said.

“You really have to sustain the building so you can sustain the service.”

Ms Dalmau has also overseen the implementation of a volunteer program, with people coming in to help look after the gardens, coordinate dinners, host morning teas, drive guests around, help in the office, or even just sit with the guests and talk.

“It all adds to the support that we can give to the guests,” she said.

Ms Dalmau praised the team at the lodge and said they could make a real difference to the guest’s stay.

“We’re always a shoulder to cry on too, or just someone to vent their frustrations about the medical system,” she said.

 

October 15 2024

dailyadvertiser.com.au

Lilier Lodge receives welcome support

The Riverina Ford Owners Club presenting over $8000 dollars in donations.

 

The Riverina Ford Owners Club has presented four charities with a huge donation after hosting a very successful auction last month.

Everything from car parts, Mother’s Day baskets and barbecues were up for the taking, as well as items donated by the Junee Correctional Centre.

The club raised more than $8000 from the evening, which saw people come from Griffith, Sydney and Albury to join in on the action.

Four local charities were chosen by the club to share the donations, with Lilier Lodge being one of them.

 

May 16 2024 Daily Advertiser

Lilier Lodge Afternoon Tea with the Mayor

Emma Phillips, Executive Director, addresses the guests at the Lilier Lodge Afternoon Tea, to launch the 20th Birthday Celebrations.
It is my pleasure to be  able to say a few words today. I’d like to thank the Mayor for holding this afternoon tea and by doing so recognizing both the contribution Lilier has made to the city of Wagga Wagga  but more importantly honouring the wagga community of volunteers connected with Lilier Lodge, particularly those of you invited here today. You all embody the true spirit of community and service.
The opening of Lilier Lodge twenty years ago was the culmination of more than 5 years of hard work involving a large number of people. The foresight and compassion shown then is to be commended as the purpose built facility has been without question a game changer for both the cancer patient and carer needing to travel and stay away from home when receiving   treatment. Twenty years later we  remain blessed to have so much community support and together we provide a safe haven, home away for home for many when at their most vulnerable both physically and emotionally.
Lilier Lodge owes its success and warmth to the dedicated Staff both past but very much the present. Margaret, Alison, Greg and more recently Cathy and Moya, pour their hearts into caring for the guests whilst ensuring smooth operations.
However In addition to the staff we are indebted to our team of volunteers whose selfless contributions enrich the lives of everyone who stays. Whether its driving them to treatment, organizing recreational activities, the Wednesday night dinners, overseeing the vegie patch, high pressure hosing the exterior – the list of jobs is endless – you all, our Lilier volunteers infuse the lodge with joy, companionship and a sense of community. You give your time and energy without expecting anything in return (ok maybe the occasional sweet treat from the kitchen)  and this truly embodies the spirit of generosity and kindness that lies at the heart of Lilier Lodges mission.  Your collective efforts creates a haven where our guests thrive, find solace, forge meaningful connections and make Lilier Lodge not just an accommodation facility but a true home filled with love and compassion.
To the Mayor, thank you for recognizing this with todays event.  I am truly appreciative of you making the time to honour these special community members of Wagga.  I am not a local, have only been connected with Lilier since late 2016 but personally in that short time I have been privileged to get to know many of our volunteers with my regular visits and develop some very meaningful friendships with such extraordinary individuals. As a past cancer patient myself I commend each of you for what you bring . On behalf of the JV owners Its an  honour to extend thanks and deepest gratitude, you truly make a difference to Lilier Lodge and in the lives of so many.  Happy Birthday wishes and celebrations everyone. May we and those who follow us sustain this amazing asset for years to come, ensuring access to affordable and quality accommodation is no impediment to a rural cancer patients’ treatment.

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