On Monday the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) and Mater Villa Units in Newcastle both received cheques to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars as a final donation from the tireless community campaigner who passed away in October last year. 

Mrs Mason, an Order of Australia Medal winner, was a fundraiser for the Mater Villa Units and a frequent donor to the RFDS and stipulated in her will that the proceeds from the sale of her home following her death be donated to the two charities. The home sold at auction for $201,000 in December.

“Margaret was the only fundraiser for our units,” the Mater Hospital’s public affairs and communications manager Ingrid Grenell said.

“Through her fundraising efforts Margaret kept the NBN Telethon villas in great shape.

“Margaret’s donations have meant we have been able to undertake significant improvements to the villas.”

The units offer patients from regional areas a place to stay while receiving treatment. There are 16 villas offering accommodation for up to 32 patients.