For more than 14 years, Mingara Recreation Club has proudly supported Elsie’s Retreat and its mission to improve palliative care services for local families across the Central Coast.
Since Elsie’s Project began at a Women’s Symposium held at the club in 2012, the initiative has grown into a remarkable community movement – helping to deliver dedicated palliative care facilities and services that provide comfort, dignity and support during some of life’s most challenging moments. Throughout this journey, Mingara has remained a committed supporter, contributing over $69,000 through financial assistance, fundraising initiatives and community partnerships.
The impact of Elsie’s Retreat can be seen through a number of significant milestones. In 2021, the dedicated A5 Palliative Care Unit opened at Gosford Hospital, providing specialist care in a purpose-built environment. Mingara proudly supported the Elsie’s Project Remembrance Walk in 2023, bringing the community together to honour loved ones while raising awareness of the importance of palliative care. In 2025, Mingara provided financial support towards the new Wyong Palliative Care Unit, while paediatric palliative care services also opened at Gosford Hospital. This year marks another important milestone with the opening of the new twelve-bed palliative care unit at Wyong Hospital, further expanding access to specialist care across the region.
Together, the Gosford and Wyong facilities will provide twenty-four dedicated palliative care beds – along with family-friendly spaces designed to support patients and loved ones through end-of-life care.
Touch of Orange Luncheon
One of the key fundraising events supporting Elsie’s Retreat is the annual Touch of Orange Luncheon, returning to Mingara on Wednesday 16 September. Guests will enjoy a two-course lunch, bubbles on arrival, fundraising raffles with a range of prizes – including gift vouchers and care packages, lucky door prizes, as well as entertainment from returning favourite Shane Edwards. The Touch of Orange Luncheon is a wonderful opportunity to come together with the community, celebrate the achievements of Elsie’s Retreat and support the ongoing provision of compassionate palliative care on the Central Coast. Every ticket purchased helps support the ongoing work of Elsie’s Retreat and its commitment to providing care, comfort and dignity for local families when they need it most.
Date | Wednesday 16 September
Doors Open | 10.45am
Luncheon | 11am – 3pm
Price | $80 per person