Lilier Lodge manager Margaret Dalmau stands proudly with the Lilier tree. The fundraising tree is filled with metal leaves bought by donors to help those staying at the accommodation facility while undergoing cancer treatments nearby. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Lilier Lodge has received more than $7000 in funding from Riverina Water to upgrade the facility’s water irrigation system.
The upgrade for the not-for-profit accommodation facility, purpose-built by Can Assist and Cancer Council NSW for people undergoing cancer treatment nearby, will make it more water wise.
Bidgee Pumps and Irrigation is carrying out the upgrade, set for completion by the second week of July.
Lodge manager Margaret Dalmau said facilities like Lilier are often a gateway to health services for country people.
“For those who have to travel long distances to access treatment, the lodge provides a supportive environment and a home away from home,” she said.
“We try to create a supportive environment, help people through their journey and make their lives comfortable.”
Ms Dalmau said the new water system is 50 per cent more efficient, user-friendly and more appropriate for the lodge’s current needs.
The manager of six years said the watering system of 20 years was breaking down and parts of the system were not working correctly.
“Some parts of the garden beds weren’t getting watered and we have had to water the plants manually,” she said.
“We have volunteers who come and help, but it’s a big job.”
A workman from Bidgee Pumps and Irrigation working on the Lodge’s water system upgrade, which is expected to be completed by the second week of July. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Opened in 2004, the lodge has a large footprint with extensive lawns and an array of garden beds that need ongoing watering and maintenance to keep it fit for purpose.
Ms Dalmau said once the upgrade was complete she would be able to control the water system through an app.
She said she was thankful to Riverina Water for the $7086 grant and for recognising the need for the change.
“Getting the grant to help us improve our water system will ultimately decrease our costs and that makes it really worthwhile,” she said.
The manager said the lodge had undergone several upgrades and renovations, which were done through the helping hands of grants.
She said there were still plenty of renovations to be done at the facility, including guttering, external and internal painting, putting an awning, changing exterior lights to LED and possibly installing solar panels.
“We have 21 rooms at the facility, and next year we will look into getting new beds. It will cost around $30,000 to replace the beds,” she said.
“There is always something to do and it is about what takes priority at the time.”
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