• Outstanding Community Support

    Posted 18 January 2012


    Mudgee unites for Lifehouse

    Mudgee couple Peter and Sue Seccombe and their daughters Vic, Jen and Kim, raised more than $23,000 for Lifehouse in September 2011 through their Calcutta for a Cure fundraiser, held in conjunction with the Mudgee Race Club’s Black Nugget Cup.

    A similar fundraiser last year saw the Seccombes raise $16,000 for Lifehouse. ‘I’ve been having treatment at RPA for several years now and thought this was a way to give back,’ says Sue. ‘We have raised a total of about $40,000 for The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse now and it’s because the local support we have is so incredible.’

    Seccombe family 

    The Seccombes approached the Mudgee Race Club with the idea of holding a dinner and the Club was very supportive, purchasing tables at the event and providing sponsorship and auction items. Guests attending the following day’s races are always well looked after. The event was publicised entirely through word of mouth.

    Guest of honour, Professor Michael Boyer, medical director of Lifehouse and medical oncologist at Sydney Cancer Centre, attended the filled-to-capacity dinner to accept the proceeds on behalf of Lifehouse.

    Diana Rutter 

    ‘It seems that the whole of Mudgee is behind us,’ says Michael, who came across Diana Rutter at the Mudgee markets the following day selling handmade scarves, beanies and other products made from alpaca hair.

    “I’ve raised over $7,000 so far and I’ll just keep on going,” says Diana, who runs the Keiana Lodge Alpaca farm near Running Stream with her family.

    Lifehouse is very grateful to the Seccombe and Rutter families, Mudgee Race Club and the people of Mudgee for their ongoing support.

    Open garden display a delight

    Front rose garden 

    The township of Forbes in the central west of NSW is famous for its historic buildings and beautiful scenery. And last year over the October long weekend, Margaret and Geoff West opened their stunning South Lead Road garden to the public along with nine other gardens.

    Hundreds of people, the majority of them locals, visited the gardens paying an entry fee and making a gold coin donation to charity. The West family decided to donate the proceeds to Lifehouse at RPA.

    Margaret has been treated at Sydney Cancer Centre for a brain tumour and, although she wasn’t treated by Professor Chris O’Brien, she is a huge fan.

    ‘I saw Chris O’Brien regularly on the RPA television program and his positive approach to adversity was inspirational,’ says Margaret. ‘As I have been through the hospital system for treatment many times I can see how the concept of Lifehouse will help future patients. We are really happy to help his dream come true.’

    A raffle run by the Forbes Garden Club added to the total sum raised over the weekend. We thank the Wests for their generosity and highly recommend visiting their stunning garden when it is next open.

    Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute

    SHNCI 

    A special thank you to artist Werner Filipich, whose painting ‘Cremorne’ was raffled at The Romantics Art Exhibition at Hunters Hill Town Hall in early September. Proceeds from the event exceeded $5,700 - thank you to all involved.



    Thank you to those who supported the 2011 SHNCI Race Day raffle which raised almost $8,500, as well as the Markakis family who donated close to $6,000 in lieu of gifts for Mr Eftihios Markakis’ 80th birthday. We appreciate your support.