A public meeting to discuss this will be held at Club Taree on August 4.

Judy Hollingworth, local resident and convenor of the meeting, said Manning Valley people have been inspired by the significant achievements of the Great Lakes Hospice community group in Forster, and by the “Push for Palliative” groups set up recently throughout regional NSW.

“Quality care is provided by the dedicated Manning Valley professionals, hospitals and community health team, but increasing numbers of local people affected by incurable illness – and their carers – need greater access to palliative care,“ she said.

The community group would assist professionals and volunteers to meet that need. Judy suggested a long-term objective could be to provide a Manning Valley hospice.

“My family have had wonderful experiences with palliative services. They make a huge difference to patients and carers,” she added.

Judy is a certified palliative care volunteer with the local district of Hunter New England Health, and is also assisting on a University of Newcastle research project into advance-care planning.

The public meeting has already received generous support. 

Two experts who have agreed to speak are Dr Colin Rose OAM, a Taree GP who has long supported palliative-care patients and teams, Dr Yvonnne McMaster OAM, a retired palliative specialist doctor from Sydney and tireless campaigner for palliative services in regional NSW. Elizabeth Fisher OAM, president of Great Lakes hospice Inc. will also speak . Club Taree has kindly made a meeting room available.

The meeting will be held at 6pm on Tuesday August 4 at Club Taree.

For more information or to register, contact Judy on 0409 558 652 or judy@globallearning.com.au.