Our History

August

Meeting called by Elizabeth Allen, then Chair of Dubbo Health Council, to support development of short-term on-site accommodation for Dubbo Base Hospital (DBH) sub-acute patients and their carers. Particularly for people beyond Dubbo Local Government Area (LGA), other areas besides maternity identified as requiring the facility. Over 50% of DBH’s clients are from beyond Dubbo LGA

Formation of a Steering Committee

July

Dubbo Base Hospital Accommodation Project (DBHAP) Incorporated was established. Many meetings were held in the lead up to incorporation with health personnel and others to determine parameters of project, requirements, possible location of accommodation facility on hospital site, style of accommodation, relationship with hospital, etc

October

First fundraiser held, Real Estate Institute - Orana Division Charity Auction contributed proceeds to DBHAP Inc

December

Following many meetings with Western NSW Local Health District and DBH personnel, Inaugural Meeting of DBHAP Inc was held. Office Bearers and Committee Membership established - Chair Rod Crowfoot, Secretary Fiona Prentice, Treasurer Lorna White, Public Officer Ray Nolan and Committee Members Elizabeth Allen, Dot Martin, Dawn Collins, Nola Honeysett

Support for project sought throughout northwest area from Shire Councils and Service Clubs

Pursuit of land…on-site and then off-site as well

August

Orana Mutual Heart of Our Community donated $10,000 to facilitate start-up

October

Inaugural Toyota Tour de OROC Bike Ride through the OROC Shires led by Mathew Dickerson which generated $176,168.63 in sponsorships and donations

December

Dubbo City Council (DCC) identified a block of land adjacent to the health precinct which could be suitable for Macquarie Home Stay (MHS) use and not impinge on limited hospital redevelopment site. DCC also provided considerable assistance in preparation of application for Cobbora Transition Funding Grant. Alexandra Murray of Design Tribe appointed as project architect

August

$3.3m grant from Cobbora Transition Fund allocated to MHS

August

Minister for Lands signed off on occupancy of block of land to MHS

October

DBHAP Inc converted to a registered company, Macquarie Home Stay Limited

October long weekend

Tour De OROC ride through the region, raising another $105,472

August

Land transfer completed giving MHS title to the land

September

Development Application (DA) lodged with Dubbo City Council

New business name, ‘Macquarie Home Stay’

Expression of Interest (EOI) called for the construction of Stage 1, subsequently then shortlisted and those invited to tender

Endorsed by the ACNC with PBI and DGR status

February

Development Application approved by Dubbo City Council

March

Back O’ Bourke Bike Ride for Cancer raised $61,000

July

CWA donated $420,000 - sponsorship of 14 rooms in the next stage of accommodation

August

MAAS Constructions appointed builder and sod turning

October

Tour de OROC event raised $105,000

January

First ground moved by the graders

March

Amended DA approved

December

Construction completed right before Christmas

January

First guest arrives 9 January, a maternity delivery from Walgett

Official opening, Tuesday 29 January