October 2005

The last 12 months have seen the occupancy of Fiona Lodge Ronald McDonald House continue to be around 100% full most weeks. This even includes the winter months. The increased awareness of the Lodge due to television commercials paid for by the Mc Donald’s corporation and it’s licensees has obviously helped.

The South Coast often has its best weather in winter. Walking on the beach, fishing and strolling in the National Parks are great relaxation and it is not uncommon to have a whole beach to yourself.

In 1993 Rachael Sweeney and Jim Johns decided to move to the South Coast of N.S.W. They were living in Sydney and Rachael was pursuing a successful career in advertising. They were successful in obtaining the franchise for the McDonalds Family Restaurant in Batemans Bay. Rachael had to choose between living in Sydney or changing careers and moving to the south coast.

The deciding factor was when Jim agreed they would endeavour to build a beach house for children fighting serious illnesses. i.e. a Ronald McDonald Beach House.

Once their McDonalds business had settled they then went about the task of securing interest in Rachael's dream.They came across many barriers to the dream.e.g. no oncology unit in the local hospital.

As fate has it they stumbled upon local artist Des Phillips who had a similar dream; to build a beach house for adults to have a holiday when they had been diagnosed with a life threatening illness.Des was also fighting cancer himself. Des's inspiration and drive together with Rachael and Jim and the Eurobodalla community helped raise the funds to build what is now Fiona Lodge Ronald McDonald Beach House.

Graham McGillivray has been living in Batemans Bay since February 1997 with his wife Cindy-Lou and sons Alexander and Campbell. They live at Batehaven and enjoy the seaside life.

He was approached to join the inaugrual commitee set up to organise the first Bay of Dreams in 1998 and his major role was general dogs-body and event coordinator, a role he has enjoyed with both Bay of Dreams nights.

With the start of the building, he moved into a procurement role, begging, borrowing and generally chasing products and services needed for Fiona Lodge's construction.

Roz Joined the committee at the invitation of Jim and Rachael and after having met Des Phillips at a function. Roz has helped with the organisation of two fundraising balls and with the furnishings for the two houses at Rosedale.

"Just listening to him talk was so inspirational. Being involved is a really good opportunity to help people. And you never know when your own family is going to be affected by illness."

As the manager of Just Jeans, she is a central point of contact for anyone wanting to know more about the project or make pledges.

Maureen Law has lived in Batemans Bay all her life and has been involved in a huge variety of activities.

In 1998, Jim Johns and Des Phillips invited Maureen to come to a meeting and listen to an idea they had to provide a "retreat" for people diagnosed with a life threatening illness and so she became a foundation member of the Fiona Lodge Committee.

"Along the way the project has united the district, so many people- from local school children to large organisations - have supported the house."

Brian Weeks, along with his wife Rosemary, have a special role to play on the committee and are proud to have Fiona Lodge named in memory of their late daughter, Fiona.

"Being associated with the Bay of Dreams has given me the chance to meet a cross section of people. Although we are serious about our project we do have some fun times."

Cody Phang, Manager of Accounting & Information Services for the Upper Lachlan Council provides the Fiona Lodge Ronald McDonald Beach House Committee with Information Technology services and advice.

"Fiona Lodge Ronald McDonald Beach House is an amazing achievement and I am delighted to be able to contribute to such a great cause."