Lilier Lodge accommodation in Wagga NSW isn't always solely for cancer patients

Katerina Pastellis and her family have been pleasantly surprised over the years, realising home away from home for cancer patients, Lilier Lodge, is not actually only there to support cancer patients and their families.

Whenever vacancies allow, this haven will open its doors to people who are needing to be in Wagga for any medical reason.

“I didn’t know of Lilier Lodge before I needed it, and it is a wonderful thing,” Katerina said.

“It is only five minutes’ walk from the hospital and everything you could ever need.

“My mother and father have stayed there while attending to various medical needs, and my husband Keith stayed there while I was undergoing a serious medical issue.

“Even when I have had to go back to Wagga for check-ups, we have stayed there.”

Katerina said the friendly and caring atmosphere at Lilier Lodge makes an incredible difference.

“Being surrounded by people who are often going through much the same thing is comforting,” she said. “The staff also know what you are going through, and they are so kind and caring.”

Katerina remembers the first time she needed to travel away; it was a scramble to find somewhere for Keith to stay while she was in hospital. It was especially hard as at the time the annual field days were on, leaving no accommodation options.

“It just takes such a load off your mind, to know you and your family have somewhere to stay, and are not stranded or forced to battle the dangerous roads with kangaroos and wildlife,” she said.

Lilier Lodge is an oasis, a friendly and welcoming place for people all over the district.

It opened in 2004 and was purpose built by Can Assist and Cancer Council NSW, together with the support of local and regional communities.

It is a not-for-profit 21 room accommodation facility which helps over 1400 people each year.

The Lodge provides accommodation for people undergoing cancer treatment at nearby facilities including the Riverina Cancer Care Centre, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital and Calvary Hospital.

It is also a drop-in service for cancer patients who travel daily for their treatment and for community transport drivers while waiting for clients.

The Lodge is also a meeting place for local volunteers and community groups.

Guests can have family and friends come and visit while staying at Lilier Lodge.  As well as guest rooms, there are garden and communal lounge and dining areas that can be used for spending time with visitors.

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.

Before this, 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.

Lilier Lodge has received more than $7000 in funding from Riverina Water to upgrade the facility’s water irrigation system.

At the end of 2024, Lilier Lodge released a fabulous cookbook, at the reasonable price of $25. The recipes were written by volunteers, guests and supporters of the Lodge. There is also a small store of gifts available for purchase.

All items, many handmade, have been donated to raise money to support Lilier Lodge and its guests.

Fundraising efforts over the years have included high teas, quilters groups and other crafters donating blankets, Heavenly Charity Masquerade Ball, garage sales, working bees, wooden platters, donations of foods for people staying at the lodge, and donations of goods to sell in their shop.

The Lodge provides that extra bit of support and care cancer patients need during the harrowing treatment progress.

All in the same boat, to be surrounded by other patients provides that extra bit of comfort.