Even before the Federal Election was called, The Nationals were gearing up for a big campaign, including pledging $2 million towards the next stage of the Macquarie Home Stay expansion in Dubbo.

The announcement was made by Nationals Federal Leader David Littleproud during his visit to Dubbo to launch the campaign for the Coalition Candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey late February.

Mr Littleproud said the funding is crucial, as more patients, their partners and families seek affordable, quality accommodation travelling to the Dubbo health precinct for medical treatment.

He said the funding would include five self-contained family units.

“The Home Stay previously had a $2.5 million commitment from the former Coalition government to support a cancer-focused accommodation precinct, following the opening of the Western Cancer Centre, which was jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Government with $35 million,” he added.

Nationals’ candidate for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey – endorsed after the announced retirement of sitting Member, Mark Coulton – said the five self-contained units would reduce the financial burden of long-distance travel for medical care, particularly for families.

“Due to increasing demand, the Macquarie Home Stay is fully-booked and typically turns away three patients per day, with this number sometimes rising to as many as 14,” Mr Chaffey said.

“I am pleased to be part of a team that continues to support this local project and those in need of healthcare, especially in terms of accommodation for families,” he added.

Macquarie Home Stay Managing Director Rod Crowfoot said the accommodation fosters a supportive community that aids recovery and well-being.

“Expanding these services improves healthcare access, supports families, reduces financial strain and strengthens community connections,” Mr Crowfoot said.

Macquarie Home Stay provides affordable and appropriate patient family accommodation for some of the 200,000-plus people of Western and Northern NSW who have to travel to Dubbo for medical treatment every year.

A large percentage of the guest cohort are pregnant women, who stay in the weeks prior to delivering their child. However, many patients and their families travel to Dubbo for specialist appointments, cancer treatment, surgeries, accident and emergency, general surgical admissions, and more.

The facility aims to remove the cost barriers to accessing health care in a timely way for many rural and remote communities, providing a better quality of life and less time away from family and employment.