The Livingston Fundraiser for Brain Cancer, held at the Western Plains Cultural Centre Outlook Cafe on Saturday, May 23, raised more than $18,000 for Dubbo College teacher Andrew Livingston, who was diagnosed with brain cancer last year.

Organiser, and Livingston family friend Michelle O’Callaghan said about 120 people attended, with many more contacting her for donations.

“We had a magnificent turnout and everyone came willing to donate to the cause,” Mrs O’Callaghan said.

“People just dug really deep and we did have some fantastic original artworks on auction, it was all very popular.”

Artworks included items by Andrew’s wife Barb, as well as other local talent including Vicki Aland and Kyah Wilson.

The auction was hosted by Western Plains Real Estate’s Anthony Chapman, who “was fantastic and really warmed the room”, while a huge thank you also had to go to the Outlook Cafe and “Anthony Walkom and all of the volunteers and helpers”.

Mrs O’Callaghan said she was blown away by the amount of money donated, but she wasn’t surprised. 

“I was ecstatic, but I think Dubbo is pretty good at getting behind local families,” Mrs O’Callaghan said.

“I think it was just a testament to what amazing people they [the Livingston family] are.

“Obviously they are quite overwhelmed with the amount that we raised. Now they’re readying themselves for what lies ahead with Andrew’s treatment.”

The money raised will now go towards Andrew’s treatment costs, including the cost of traveling back and forth to Sydney. Money will also contribute to making some physical changes to the family’s home, and for Andrew’s future care.

“Just a huge thank you to everybody who made the event a huge success,” Mrs O’Callaghan said.

“The Livingstons thank everyone from the bottom of their hearts.

“I think it’s just a reflection of the beautiful human spirit we have in Dubbo. We are a small town, but gee we can get together and do some amazing things