Election promise: Parkes MP Mark Coulton pledges $2.45 million to Dubbo’s Macquarie Home Stay

Parkes MP Mark Coulton has pledged $2.45 million to expand an affordable accommodation facility for cancer patients undergoing treatment, and their families, if the Coalition retains power.

More than 26 new rooms will be made available for cancer patients and their families to stay in while being treated at Dubbo Hospital under a Coalition election promise.

Parkes MP Mark Coulton was joined by Riverina MP Michael McCormack on Monday to pledge $2.45 million in funding to extend Macquarie Home Stay which offers affordable accommodation - and a home away from home - in trying times.

The election promise will be jointly funded by Macquarie Home Stay which has also committed $2.4 million to complete the construction of the new rooms which will bring the total number of rooms available at the facility to 43.

Incumbent Parkes MP Mark Coulton with Riverina MP Michael McCormack and campaign staff in Dubbo yesterday. Picture: Aymon Bertah

Mr Coulton made the announcement at the launch of his campaign at Dubbo’s ‘Band Rotunda’ in the CBD, speaking to media about the proposed funding.

“A re-elected coalition government would support $2.45 million to construct stage two of Macquarie Home Stay,” he said.

“It has been a real success story, along with the redevelopment of the hospital (and) the construction of the Western Cancer Centre.

“It has become an integral part in supporting people from Western NSW as they come to Dubbo for health treatment; they are in need of more space.”

With the Western Cancer Centre opening its doors to patients last year, accommodation has been at the forefront of discussions and Mr Coulton highlighted some real concerns facing community members who were at a crossroads with their health.

“The reality was that some people were choosing not to have lifesaving treatment, because it was just too hard,” he said.

“The cancer centre is a lifesaver and Macquarie Home Stay is enabling people to be able to have that treatment without having to break the bank for accommodation.”

Incumbent Parkes MP Mark Coulton with Riverina MP Michael McCormack.

Mr Coulton told community members how “excited and invigorated” he was to be running for parliament in what will be his sixth election, saying he is “incredibly grateful for the previous 14 years”.

Mr McCormack, the member for the Riverina, praised his long-time friend and colleague.

“The support for Mark has always been very strong (in Parkes) because people know and trust him,” Mr McCormack said.

“They know he will turn up, they know he will deliver. He’s quite frankly one of my biggest inspirations.

“He travels this massive electorate, it’s the largest electorate in NSW and he and his wife Robyn, they cover it, they criss cross it, they never stop working.”

Following the reshuffling of the National Party when Mr McCormack was beaten by Barnaby Joyce for leadership, Mr Coulton lost his portfolio which included being the minister for regional health and telecommunications – two key issues facing the electorate.

Mr McCormack labelled the decision a “shame”.

“He was actually getting things done, certainly many of the measures that we’ve got in place and now putting in place were things that he achieved and things he had a vision for,” McCormack said.

Mr Coulton will repay the favour, joining Mr McCormack to launch his campaign on Tuesday in the Riverina.