"It always seems impossible until it's done"
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This little framed quote, one of many inspirational sayings dotted around Lara RSL Aged Care, perfectly embodies the community's tenacity to build the shire's first - and only - nursing home.
That community spirit which brought Lara to fruition will be celebrated with a special open day on Wednesday, January 29 from 10am to 2pm.
Lara Manager Jo Earley is encouraging the community to visit Lara on the day, to have a walk down memory lane with the memorabilia and to see long-serving staff honoured.
"This will be a complete celebration," she said.
"Lara is here originally because of the community contribution and the community funding that raised all of the money that started the project."
Prior to Lara, people had to move to Maitland or to Newcastle for aged care, which was often difficult for family members.
"We are very proud to be with RSL LifeCare now but we are equally as proud of what happened before RSL came on board," said Mrs Earley.
Following a public meeting in 1978 a committee was formed to investigate the future needs of the aged living in Dungog. This committee presented a report to another public meeting in November 1980 which led to the unanimous decision that a fundraising committee of trustees be formed to "raise money and negotiate, in conjunction with the Dungog and District Hospital Board and the Dungog Shire Council for the establishment of a 40 bed nursing home on the hospital site".
The plan was to raise half the cost of the estimated $600,000 amount needed to build.
The next 12 years saw plenty of challenges for the committee and the community including numerous trips to Canberra to lobby politicians and bureaucrats about the need for the home. There were also construction and environmental issues.
The fundraising project was given a healthy injection when it became a beneficiary in the NBN Channel 3 Telethon in 1981.
The 1980s also saw fundraising from the Williams Valley Festival Charity Queen competition, fundraising auxiliaries set up in Paterson, Gresford and Clarence Town, hospital staff making weekly donations via their pay, numerous bequests, cattle sales, fetes, luncheon and raffles to name a few.
Although the building was not finished, Lara was officially opened on October 14, 1989 with the first residents taking up their new home on January 29, 1990.
Lara Aged Care amalgamated with RSL LifeCare five years ago and since then Lara has undergone a refurbishment. The work includes double rooms converted into single rooms with en suites; extension of the Silky Oak Hall, modification of the foyer including a new water feature and a revamped courtyard.
During the celebrations on January 29 there will be craft and food stalls, trash and treasure stalls and a raffle.
Morning tea starts at 10am and the official ceremony will be held at 11am followed by barbecue lunch available for purchase.
Some of the Lara staff will be recognised for their commitment to the organisation for 10, 25 and 30 years of service.