Lilli Pilli Ladies: Empowering Hope

We will cultivate supportive and nurturing environments for individuals and familes impacted by cancer. We will work to provide comfort, resources, and a sence of belonging to ensure no one walks the journey alone.

We will champion proactive health knowledge and increased awareness within the community. We will use our voice to advocate for better support services and empower people to take charge of their health and wellbeing.

We will work to resource our community by raising vital funds for essential medical equipment at Kempsey District Hospital and Port Macquarie Base Hospital. MNCCI Oncology Unit (PMBH) & Outreach Oncology Unit (KDH).

Lilli Pilli Ladies began from a very humble beginning in 2016, with two friends having a quiet cuppa under the Lilli Pilli trees, who decided to organise an afternoon tea. They invited a few friends, asking them to bring a friend, with the purpose in mind to raise a little money for Cancer patients. Around fifty ladies turned up and had a wonderful, fun time. As a unique name for the group was needed, and the Lilli Pilli bushes at the home were flowering and showing a beautiful display at the time, the group Lilli Pilli Ladies was formed.

Momentum and energy grew when we recognised that we had tapped into something bigger than just fundraising. We have always run our platform on giving support to those who are receiving treatment for various forms of Cancer. Our energy began to grow as we were hearing the personal side more so than the Clinical, with stories of isolation, travelling expenses and many other problems associated with having to travel out of town for ongoing Cancer treatment. The decision was made to increase member numbers who complimented what we wished to achieve. Lilli Pilli Ladies has grown to become a Charitable Organisation of some repute in the Kempsey/Macleay Valley. We now have ten loyal, hardworking and dedicated ladies who all have life-long connections with this community and love how the community has connected to us.

We have tried various avenues for fundraising functions over the years eg: Christmas in July, March yearly race day at Warwick Park Racecourse, Brunch at Sherwood Hall, Girls Glamour night, afternoon at Bucket Brewery, Sausage Sizzles at Woolworths & Kempsey Cattle Saleyards, Wine tasting, Pig Races at Fredo Pub, Charity Golf Day at Fredo Golf Club and of course our major and most successful fundraiser ‘The Afternoon Cuppa’ which is held each October, just to name a few. We also receive monetary donations/sponsorships from various sporting clubs, local businesses and recently from Year 6 students from St Joseph’s Primary School, Port Macquarie.

Being out and about in the community in our pink shirts, hearing the stories of concerned patients, family & friends, thanking them for their support and encouragement is very important to us. We understand that people are not just statistics and there are times when they just need someone to listen to their concerns or to ask where to go to access the help they may need. Our magic formula is ‘being accessible’.

Always being conscious that we are temporary custodians of all funds raised we work within the wish lists we receive from Mid North Coast Cancer Institute. The past few years have been the busiest and the most rewarding in what has been achieved. It began with a unanimous decision to start campaigning our Local Area Health Service to get Cancer Services up and running here at Kempsey District Hospital. After many months of meetings and gathering information, and organising a Public Forum with incredible support from the Kempsey/Macleay Community, a meeting was held in October 2023 with the Executive Team of Mid North Coast Local Health District & Mid North Coast Cancer Institute. This culminated in receiving instant approval for a New Low Risk Outreach Cancer Unit to begin treating Kempsey Low Risk Cancer Patients in March, 2024. On the 20th March, 2024 the new Cancer Unit began treating patients 1 day per week, increasing to 2 days per week. The Unit is currently running at full capacity with a 3rd day per week to begin in 2026.

In January 2021 we received nomination for Kempsey’s Australia Day Awards, for which we received a special recognition Certificate for the Community Group category. In 2024 we were presented as joint winners for the same category. We were thrilled and humbled to be held in such high esteem.

This has been a truly amazing, wonderful outcome. With your valued support we will continue to organize events and raise funds, for the purchase of essential equipment required by Kempsey Outreach Cancer Unit and MNCAHS Oncology Unit Port Macquarie. This is to ensure the time spent there by patients is as comfortable and peaceful as possible and to reach and help many more lives in need, today and in the future. We continue to support Port Macquarie Oncology Unit as many high risk Kempsey Cancer patients still find the need to travel for their treatment.

Lilli Pilli ladies feel very privileged and honoured to be able to serve our local Community and thank you sincerely for attending our fund raising events and for your kindness, generosity and support over the years.