Four Dubbo gardens were opened to the public on Sunday in a fundraiser for a charitable group that has thrown its support behind a push for a cancer centre at Dubbo.
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The Dubbo branch of Can Assist held the Dubbo Autumn Gardens event to aid its work in helping country cancer patients with costs as they access treatment, often far from home.
As Can Assist Dubbo secretary Prue Thompson told of "ever-increasing demand" for assistance she also backed calls for a regional cancer centre at Dubbo.
A campaign is under way to push for a centre as part of the current upgrades to Dubbo Hospital, and a Facebook page for that purpose set up by Rotarian Lyn Smith and Frances Peters-Little from the not-for-profit Jimmy Little Foundation has gained almost 6000 likes in three weeks.
As people relaxed in the garden of Rob and Julie Wilson on Sunday, Ms Thompson said Can Assist held the fundraiser to help in its work to support cancer patients referred from health professionals.
Can Assist could help with accommodation and travel costs which "so many people can't afford" and also with pharmacy and phone costs, she said.
The secretary reported the demand was growing "worse and worse".
"So this is why it's so necessary this cancer centre comes to Dubbo, then Can Assist could help with their other costs," Ms Thompson said.
The Can Assist member reported that 70 per cent of all its funds were currently being used for travel and accommodation expenses of patients.
"Without those expenses gobbling up the money, it could be allocated to a different avenue," she said.
Cookie Lees stopped to admire roses at the Wilsons' home, saying the work Can Assist did was very important.
"I just came along to see the gardens, support Can Assist and catch up with a lot of old friends," Mrs Lees said.
