Mid North Coast oncology units send their wish lists to the Lilli Pilli Ladies

Pig racing is just one of the ways the Lilli Pilli Ladies have raised more than $470,000 to buy equipment for oncology units in Port Macquarie and Kempsey.

In doing so, they have allowed some patients to receive treatment locally rather than having to travel.

How it started: In 2016 friends and retirees Judy Saul and Lyn Gleeson invited a few people they knew for afternoon tea, with the goal of raising a little money for cancer patients. They  were invited to bring a friend.

About 50 ladies turned up.

The afternoon was such a success it became an annual event, and so began the Lilli Pilli Ladies, named after the flowering bushes.

Travelling for treatment: Initially, all money raised went to the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute at Port Macquarie. 

In 2023, after hearing stories from cancer patients living in Kempsey about having to travel for treatment, the group lobbied the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) and Mid North Coast Cancer Institute for a cancer unit in Kempsey.

In 2024, low-risk chemotherapy treatments became available for patients at Kempsey District Hospital. The unit is currently operating at full capacity, treating patients three days a week. 

The Lilli Pilli Ladies’ recent fundraising has gone towards five reclining treatment chairs for the oncology unit in Kempsey. They are due to arrive in coming weeks.

The women also raised more than $57,500 for an Echo Ultrasound Machine, plus $13,200 to train staff how to use it.

• “We consult and work with the local area health oncology team, who advise us of a wish list of equipment required for Kempsey and/or Port Macquarie units, which we then work towards to purchase,” Treasurer Robyn Mainey told the Mid North Coaster.

• “We continue to support Port Macquarie Oncology Unit, as many high risk Kempsey cancer patients still need to travel for their treatment.”

Money raised: To date the Lilli Pilli Ladies have raised and donated funds totalling $474,292. A 10th anniversary goal is to reach $500,000. 

The fact that volunteer groups such as the Lillii Pilli Ladies are required spotlights health funding shortfalls in the region.

• “We are happy to continue working to fill the gaps and lighten the load for the local oncology services. We just want to focus on helping local cancer patients and doing everything we can do for them,” President Judy Saul.

Today, there are 10 Lilli Pilli Ladies. Their key projects are organising the annual afternoon tea and golf day.

The pig races - where porkers had to trot around a hay bale obstacle course out the back of Frederickton’s Fredo Pub - is on hold this year, but hope springs eternal. Last year’s event raised more than $11,000.