The discussion focused on the service club’s support of the proposed $2m Cancer Care Lodge, to be built in the next two years in conjunction with the new Orange Base Hospital.

With radiotherapy identified as a vital aspect of treatment, it also became imperative to incorporate accommodation for country people. It is envisaged the units would be built close to the hospital on the Bloomfield grounds.

Led by their newly-inducted president John Bullock, Rotary members hope to raise enough money to fund one of the 14 units in the proposed care complex.

Their target is $50,000, and if reached, the room will be named after the township.

As a retired surgeon, Dr Porges spoke of the importance of cancer care services in the bush, explaining that it is also vital for patients to have a suitable rest area if they are having ongoing treatment.

“Ten years ago, I began agitating for a radiotherapy unit for people west of the mountains,” he said. “That was reactivated by the Central Western Daily last year.”

Dr Porges said the tyranny of distance was a major factor for patients who often had to travel thousands of kilometres for treatment.

Sometimes, they opt to undergo radical surgery rather than experience the financial and emotional strain of constant trips back and forth.

“Access to radiotherapy eliminates the pressure to have radical surgery,” Dr Porges said.

He also believes that access to accommodation is an essential part of treatment.

“Every major hospital has a facility for patients and their families to use.”

Mr Bullock couldn’t agree more, and as someone who faced his own battle with the disease last year, access to oncology services is a personal issue.

He worked out that during seven weeks of treatment, he travelled 6000km.

“I would stay in Sydney from Monday to Friday and return home on the weekends,” he said.

Mr Bullock is now turning his attentions to the fundraiser and has planned an information evening for mid-July.

He wants to encourage other service clubs, business owners, sporting and community groups as well as individuals to be involved.

“As cancer touches many families within our community, there is a great need for this type of accommodation,” Mr Bullock said.

The information evening will be held at 7.30pm on July 16 at the Wellington Soldiers’ Memorial Club auditorium.