That was the reality for the district 50 years ago until a small group of passionate locals decided they would form a community-owned aged care facility.

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Their determination resulted in the Autumn Lodge aged care home opening in Macksville in 1974.

A half century on, that not-for-profit venture has grown into what we know today as NVC Group.

Now one of the region’s biggest employers, NVC Group has over 400 staff engaged in the delivery of aged care services, training, and the provision of medical services.

Working from Coffs Harbour to Kempsey, the heart of its operations are still centred where it all began, the Nambucca Valley.

“In 1973 the Government had a scheme where they would meet communities dollar for dollar when raising funds for aged care facilities,” NVC Group’s Jacqueline Mohr told News Of The Area.

“This got locals raising money through many different methods such as the high schools doing door knocks and BBQs at people’s places as fundraisers, all to get enough for an initial deposit for Autumn Lodge.

“When construction was complete the call went out to locals to donate soft furnishings to beautify Autumn Lodge and you even had farmers dropping in with bags of oranges and potatoes.

“It was such a wonderful community effort.

“To think where NVC Group is now is just amazing.”

Turning 50 this year NVC Group will mark its birthday with some very inclusive activities.

On Sunday 8 September, NVC Group will partner with two other leading community groups – Nambucca Valley Rotary and ShoreTrack – to hold a community fundraiser with a bike ride, a walk and a treasure hunt.

At 9:00am, walkers will participate in a round trip from Bellwood Park to the V-Wall, a distance of approximately five kilometres (km).

From 9:00 to 9:30am, cyclists will do a round trip from Bellwood Park, Nambucca to Kingsworth Estate, Nambucca.

The leisurely cycle will cover a distance of 8.5km.

From 10:00am, ShoreTrack will be at Bellwood Park firing up the BBQ, and there will be some fun kids activities including treasure hunt and face painting.

“It’s going to be a great morning,” said Debee Thow, a member of the 50th Anniversary NVC Community Committee.

“We’d love to see our community come along and support our non-profit’s milestone, while having a bit of exercise, fun and there are prizes for the best fancy dress and best bike bling.”

President of Nambucca Valley Rotary Club, Kerry Dedman added, “We are proud to support NVC Group in their fundraising efforts to improve the outdoor areas for their residents.

“The smiles from residents participating in Rotary’s Sunshine Wheels project will be matched by those experiencing the outdoor area upgrade.”

A donation of $10 for cyclists and $4 for walkers is encouraged, with all money raised going towards improving the outdoor spaces at NVC’s aged care facilities.

A number of other events are planned by NVC across the month of September including a Gala Dinner on 21 September.

By Mick BIRTLES