Media Releases

2.5 Million reasons to celebrate for Macquarie Home Stay

23 January 2023

Patients across the Central West, Orana and Western NSW who travel to Dubbo to receive treatment will be able to access affordable accommodation – and a home away from home – with the NSW Government today announcing $2.5 million to deliver a purpose-built oncology accommodation precinct.

Member for the Dubbo electorate and Minister for Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the $2.5 million investment will help deliver 26 new rooms, more than doubling the current capacity of Macquarie Home Stay.

“Following the opening of the Western Cancer Centre, Dubbo has become a centre of excellence for healthcare across the entire region,” Mr Saunders said.

“We know people will continue to come to Dubbo to receive health treatment, and we’re committed to removing barriers to ensure everyone can get the care they need no matter where they live.

“One of those barriers has been affordable accommodation, and that’s exactly what this funding will help address,” he said.

“Since the Federal Labor Government pulled funding for this vital expansion, I’ve been working with the Premier, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor to highlight the importance of this investment.

“Today is a great day, and shows people across the entire region that this Government has their back.”

Macquarie Home Stay managing director Rod Crowfoot said the demand for affordable accommodation is clear, with the Western Cancer Centre providing care to people living right across the region, including Mudgee, Walgett, Bourke and Cobar.

“I’m proud that we’ve been able to support patients, their families and their carers across Central, Western and Far Western NSW during some of the toughest moments of their lives,” he said.

“This really does become a ‘home away from home’ as people become repeat visitors during treatment, and often need to stay for extended periods of 5 or 6 weeks. This expansion is going to allow us to support so many more people that are sometimes missing out.”

The announcement complements the $149.5 million expansion of the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS), announced as part of the 2022-23 NSW Government budget.

“With the increased subsidies through IPTAAS and affordable, specialised health accommodation in Dubbo, patients and their families won’t have to make sacrifices to receive treatment,” Mr Saunders said.

“Since the changes came into effect in August last year, more than 6,400 people have accessed the scheme across Central, Western and Far Western NSW saving them hundreds, even thousands of dollars.”

Macquarie Home Stay is a purpose-built accommodation facility for people accessing medical services in Dubbo.

Macquarie Home Stay opened in January 2019 with 17 units and provides accommodation for people in the central west, north western and western NSW districts who travel to Dubbo to access healthcare.