Hastings Home Hospice (HHH) has been supporting the local community since the late 1980's Through fund raising and advocacy HHH has provided assistance to those with life threatening illnesses allowing them to maintain their quality of life, safety and independence. Caring for someone at home during their final journey is a deeply personal and meaningful experience, having the right equipment can make all the difference.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors over the past few years, HHH has been able to provide essential items through the palliative care equipment loan pool, including hospital-style beds, feeding tools, and mobility aids that bring comfort and dignity to patients and ease the burden on families.
We also recognise that the cost of end of life medications can be a heavy weight for many. That’s why HHH continues to support patients in need, helping to ease financial stress during such a vulnerable time.
In addition, we’ve proudly contributed to the Wauchope District Memorial Hospital Palliative Care Unit by funding the furnishings of both the carers and patients rooms, creating warm, welcoming spaces where families can be together, surrounded by comfort.
The following article was published by Port Macquarie News of the Area here.
Ruth Durant, Mayor Adam Roberts, HHH Ex-President Dr Catherine Settle, Susanne Pritchard, and Dan Abei.
HHH Secretary Jenny Delroy thanks members and volunteers
Current and past members of Hastings Home Hospice (HHH) gathered for a special afternoon tea on Thursday 30 October 2025 at the Lions Club in Port Macquarie.
The event was an opportunity for the newly elected committee to express gratitude to the dedicated members and volunteers who remain “the heart and soul of HHH.”
Dr Catherine Settle said the organisation’s success is entirely due to its supporters.
“Our remarkable members, volunteers and donors are extraordinarily generous, and invaluable to the role we play in supporting people receiving palliative care in our region,” Dr Settle said.
Among those honoured were members who have volunteered for more than 20 and 30 years, including founding member Marita Crighton, who was awarded an Order of Australia Medal this year for 35 years of service to the Port Macquarie region through HHH.
Dr Settle said the annual afternoon tea is a heartfelt tradition.
“We can only provide the support we do because of our donors and volunteers,” she said.
“This event allows us to demonstrate our respect and gratitude to them.
“They are all such kind, generous, and thoughtful people, whom we are indeed fortunate to have in our community.”
HHH provides assistance to those with life limiting illness, to maintain their quality of life – enabling them to stay in their own home, supported by family.
The community’s needs are met by providing vital medical resources that are otherwise inaccessible.
“HHH works closely with the wonderful palliative care service providers in the Hastings Community Palliative Care team and the Wauchope District Memorial Hospital.
“The fundraising we achieve helps to provide those with a life-limiting condition to maintain their quality of life, dignity, safety and independence.
“It also…provides access to things such as much-needed equipment and medication, which may not be affordable for them.”
HHH was formed in 1989 as a community-based support group dedicated to assisting people with life-limiting illnesses.
To volunteer or learn more about the service, contact Jenny Delroy via email at hhhospice@myyahoo.com
By Sis HIGGINS
Hastings Home Hospice Committee 2024-25
Front row: Lillian Andrews [Vice-President]; Marita Crighton; Lyn Morrissey [President]; Kate Crozier; Mary Trotter
Back row: Joan McKain; Jenny Delroy [Secretary]; David Johnson [Treasurer]; Catherine Settle
Photo credit: Mid North Coast Local Health District
Every member of HHH carries a personal story, a moment when the need for palliative care touched their lives and inspired them to take action. United by compassion and a shared purpose, we are committed to making a difference for those in our community facing a life-limiting illness.
Raising funds is never easy, especially in today’s world where many families are under financial strain. Yet, the HHH committee continues to rise to the challenge with unwavering determination and heart. We are inspired by our long serving members such as Marita who has dedicated over 30 years to this cause—HHH stands as a beacon of hope and resilience.
We are also strengthened by the fresh perspectives of newer members who believe in every person’s right to choose where they spend their final days, whether at home or in a healthcare setting. Personal journeys through the loss of a beloved one, cared for by either or both the Community Palliative Care Team and Wauchope Palliative Care Unit, brings a deeply human perspective to everything we do.
Together, we are more than a committee; we are a community of advocates, working to ensure that dignity, choice, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.
2025: $17,310 for smart TVs and a robotic feeding device
2024: $12,485 for a cough-assist machine
2023: $3,000 grant
2022: $10,931 for patient equipment + $1,500 grant
2021: $1,500 grant
2020: $1,500 grant
2019: $2,700 grant
2018: $3,000 grant
The Hastings Cancer Trust has generously supported the Hastings Home Hospice over the years. Below, photos from the 2024 and 2025 grant events. Earlier grants are documented further down.
In 2024, Jenny Delroy and Lyn Morrissey of the Hastings Home Hospice were handed a grant certificate by Jodie Barry, representing the CBA Business Banking group. The CBA donated $10,000 to the HCT that year which easily covered the purchase of three mattress replacement systems. The mattresses will provide palliative care cancer patients more comfort in their own homes.
In the photo above, from left: Medical Officer, Dr Will Kennett, Nursing Unit Manager, Mary Trotter and Hastings Home Hospice volunteers Marita Crighton and Lillian Andrews in the carers’ room, at Wauchope District Memorial Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit in 2024.
Hastings Home Hospice donated $4,000 worth of furniture and furnishings to the Palliative Care Unit to make the space – a bedroom/sitting area and ensuite – more homely. More here.
Photo credit: Mid North Coast Local Health District
The Hastings Cancer Trusts generous grants enabled Hastings Home Hospice to purchase more medical equipment.
In 2023, Corporate sponsors of the HCT, Jerome & Dianne Robinson of 40 Winks, presented a certificate to Donna Kuhn of the Hastings Home Hospice for the value of $5,508 for the purchase of six Roho Cushions.
In 2022, Mayor Peta Pinson presenting a 2022 Grant Certificate valued at $8,372 to Lil Andrews and Gae Green of the Hastings Home Hospice for the purchase of a Portable Oxygen Concentrator.
In 2021, Ann Wilson representing the Lake Cathie Ladies Bowling Club presents a HCT grant certificate for the value of $5,000 to Marita Crighton of the Hastings Home Hospice to assist with the upgrade of aids provided to cancer patients in their own homes.
In 2020, Mike Nalder, Gae Green, Chris Rowe, Lil Andrews, Marita Crighton, and Alice Barry, accept a grant to HHH for 2 wheelchairs and 2 powerlift recliner chairs for patients
2019: HCT grant for the purchase of three syringe drives and an oxygen concentrator to help with the continued care of the sick, frail and less mobile of the palliative care patients
2018: HHH received a HCT grant for the purchase of 6 Roho Quadro Cushions which will provide comfort for the sick, frail and less mobile of the palliative care patients
2017: HCT grant to HHH for the purchase of syringe drivers for pain relief.
From left: Palliative Care Nursing Unit Manager Mary Trotter and Hastings Home Hospice representatives, Alice Barry, President Lil Andrews and Jan Fox.
In 2017, Hastings Home Hospice launched into its 27th year of fundraising by giving a $7,552 gift to the Palliative Care Unit at Wauchope District Memorial Hospital for the purchase of these much needed, shade awnings.
Photo credit: Port News