He spent time in carers accommodation in Brisbane while his parents were in hospital, and understands the benefits it provides hospitals, patients and loved ones.

“I had to travel to Brisbane twice with my parents, and if they didn’t have that it would’ve cost hundreds of dollars,” he said.

“It allows you to be with your loved one.

“You hope for the best, and it gives them the confidence of having family around, you can encourage them to get better and if it does turn bad you are there for them.

“So, it does mean a lot.”

Along with other clubs, organisations and companies across the region, the Tathra Lions donated a significant contribution to the CCASE project and are excited to see the building phase underway at the South East Regional Hospital.

“We as Tathra Lions felt it was a significant project, and that we would like to contribute to it,” Mr Dack said.

“Most of the $50,000 came from our horse racing catering and the annual pig races.

“We do a lot of fundraising in the area and had been saving for a while.”

He said it was a surprise the new hospital wasn’t built with carers accommodation as part of the design.

“You don’t realise how much more has to be put into it once you have the shell,” he said. 

He thanked the Community Carers Accommodation South East team for their work in conceiving and running the project.

“They’re working very hard to get funding from the government for Stage 2, which is looking positive, but it only happens because the time are so generous in giving their time,” Mr Dack said.

“I’d like to praise the team for everything they are doing.

“There’s a lot of time and effort that goes into it.”