Since 1983 the Rotary Club of Belconnen has undertaken the conversion of rooms as accommodation for the dependants of patients attending hospitals in Canberra. These rooms have been especially useful for those families from the southern NSW district surrounding the ACT. Since their inception these rooms have been the single most recognised project, with the exception of the Trash 'n'Treasure market, conducted by the Club, with regular acknowledgment and thanks received from those who have been able to use these facilities.

As no spare rooms were available for relatives' accommodation at Calvary Hospital, the Rotary Club of Belconnen established a purpose built free-standing 'cottage' for this purpose.

The Rotary Cottage project was initiated by the Rotary Club of Belconnen which paid all of the $136,000 construction cost.  In addition, club members undertook the project co-ordination role and a majority of club members carried out hands on work such as painting and landscaping.

The original Rotary Cottage provided four double bedrooms with ensuites, space for additional beds, a large dining/lounge area with adjoining kitchen, and a laundry. The surrounds provided a pleasant garden aspect in which to relax.

In 2006, the Rotary Cottage extensions commenced.  This has resulted in the addition of two more bedrooms to the complex.  These opened in early 2007.  Furthermore, the existing facility was given a "spring clean" - fresh paint and refurbishment as required.

The Board of Calvary Hospital has provided support for both projects.  As well as providing the land and basic services to the site, the hospital management manage and maintain the facility.

The building is a Nu-Steel construction completed with great support from that company.  The majority of the original building trades work on the project was completed by students and staff of the Canberra Institute of Technology. The students also constructed a gazebo which was donated to the project.  The extensions have been supported by Bower Builders.  The furnishing and landscaping costs of the building have been funded by a number of community groups.

Original Construction:

The original construct would not have been possible withoutthe marvellous support of other organisations.

A total of $27,156 was provided by Other Benefactors:

• ACT Branch of the CWA

• Belconnen Soccer Club

• Canberra Tradesman's Union Club

• Ginninderra Lions Club

• Merici College 1995 Year 7 students

• Canberra-Belconnen Inner Wheel Club,

• Rotary Club of Hall

• Rotary Club of Canberra-Ginninderra

• Rotary Club of Canberra-North

• Rotary Club of Yass

• Rotary District 9710 Children's Emergency Relief Fund - Partners of Rotarians

• St Francis Xavier High School 1996 Year 10 students

• West Belconnen Leagues Club

The following organisations have donated goods and services to the project :

• Belconnen Concrete Pty Ltd

• Boral (Country) Concrete

• Capital Tile Centre

• CIT (Faculty of Engineering and Construction)

• CITEA Group Training Company

• CSR Building Materials

• Department of Urban Services

• Dulux Trade Centre

• Email KBP

• Fusca Painters and Decorators Pty Ltd

• Guideline ACT Pty Ltd

• Hall Rural Centre

• HRI

• James Hardy Bathroom Products

• John Haskins and Staff Pty Ltd

• Keeler Hardware ACT Pty Ltd

• M & M Wilson

• MBA Group Training (ACT) Inc.

• Monier PGH Bricks

• Nu-Steel Homes

• Penleigh Boyd Partnership

• R.J. Kell & Co Pty Ltd

• Smorgon ARC Group

• Spectrum Joinery Pty Ltd

• Taylor Thompson Whitting Pty Ltd

• Tradelink Plumbing Supplies

• Yarralumla Nursery

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