Lilier Lodge manager Margaret Dalmau stands proudly with the Lilier Tree. The fundraising tree filled with mental leaves is bought by donors to help those who stay at the lodge for treatment. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Wagga’s Lilier Lodge has won a national award for its outstanding support for recovering cancer patients.
The cancer accommodation won the Thank You Small Business competition and will receive a new solar system valued at $13,000.
The lodge landed the prize from 300 nominations and will receive a fully installed solar system for its business to a maximum of 10kW.
Lilier Lodge manager Margaret Dalmau said she was amazed and excited to win the award.
“I didn’t expect we could get it,” Ms Dalmau said.
With the new solar system, the lodge will reduce its energy use and save up to 25 per cent of the annual cost.
Ms Dalmau said the lodge currently spent $16,000 a year on electricity but with the solar system it would receive a big boost, and the money saved on energy would be invested in improving guest accommodation.
The solar system will be installed in time for the coming summer season.
Origin introduced Thank You Small Business to encourage people to nominate small businesses and their owners who have demonstrated resilience, determination and creativity to make outstanding contributions to their communities.
Lodge guest Leonie James and several others nominated the venue for the national competition.
Ms James stayed at the lodge for 28 nights in April 2021 while undergoing radiotherapy.
“At the worst time in my life, the Lilier Lodge staff went above and beyond to help me in any way they could,” Ms James said.
“Being so careful with COVID, they drove me daily to shops, pharmacists and the hospital.
“The staff also provided emotional support to help me get through.”
Origin Energy representative and manager of Uranquinty Power Station Paul Olsen said Lilier Lodge had met the criteria for serving the local and regional communities.
He said the company was proud to award the prize to “a very worthy winner”.
Magio Kantzipas, Origin’s head of business, also congratulated the lodge.
“We would like to congratulate Margaret and Lilier Lodge on winning the grand prize for their incredible achievements supporting the community,” Mr Kantzipas said.
“Some of the stories have blown us away, and it’s inspiring to see the innovative and creative ways Australian business owners think about and contribute to their communities.”
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