It all started in 2015, with a call out for community interest in having the provision of palliative services in the Manning Valley.
And now, the Manning Valley Push for Palliative group plans to hold its third annual general meeting (AGM).
The first community meeting held in August 2016 at Club Taree enlisted the expertise of guest speakers Dr Colin Rose, a Taree general practitioner and palliative care supporter, and Dr Yvonne McMaster, a retired Sydney palliative specialist and campaigner for properly-resourced palliative services in regional NSW.
By April 2016, Manning Valley Push for Palliative (MVP4P) was a registered charity committed to providing much needed assistance to the community health team, which included support with acquiring equipment for people’s homes that may not be affordable.
MVP4P began to provide financial assistance for things like personal care at home, for specialised equipment loans, and respite for the carer.
Since then, the organisation has been growing with the support of the community and the many generous financial donations.
Earlier this year, MVP4P received its largest single donation of $15,000 from the Dr Pat Stevens Memorial Scholarship fund, providing for the organisation to purchase home care aids to be made available on loan via Taree Community Health Centre and the Palliative Care Outreach Team.
As the group plans for its AGM, they’ve once again enlisted one of the major supporters, the now retired Dr Colin Rose as a guest speaker, as well as, Sally Drury, a clinical Nurse Specialist at the Manning Cancer and Palliative Care Services.
MVP4P chair Judy Hollingworth said they wanted to open the meeting up to the public in order to provide an update about all the group has achieved, thanks to the support of the community.
It's also an opportunity for people to learn more about the palliative care services in the Manning Valley, how MVP4P’s work benefits the community and what’s planned for the future.
Anyone looking to learn more about the ogranisation or wishing to get involved is welcome to attend the AGM. The meeting will take place on Wednesday November 14 at the Manning Uniting Church Hall, 29 Albert St, Taree from 6pm.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
