The volunteer-run organisation has served the people of Lithgow for more than 20 years, providing weekly social events and outings for elderly residents in the area.

“We will probably update the carpet, buy new appliances for the kitchen and do something with the fencing but everyone has a wish list for the money,” Gorrie Ban coordinator Christine Nott said. 

Mrs Nott said it was due to the dedicated volunteers and clients that turned up every Monday that Gorrie Ban has kept going. 

“The volunteers are great, the hard work and love they put in is incredible, we would love some new clients to get involved and hopefully this money can help us do that,” she said. 

After taking the clients to Lithgow High School’s production of ‘Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ musical last week, Mrs Nott said going on outings was one of the rewarding aspects of the group. 

“Some of our clients have early dementia and just seeing the joy and connection with music makes it worthwhile,” she said. 

Bathurst MP Paul Toole introduced Premier Gladys Berejiklian to award the cheque and said the funding would enable the centre to continue to offer these wonderful and much needed services, as well as increase security and safety at Fatima Hall.

“Many great friendships have been formed over the years thanks to the work Gorrie Ban does, with volunteers picking up members every Monday at their doors and bringing them to Fatima Hall where everyone enjoys plenty of good chats, some food and lots of laughs," Bathurst MP Paul Toole said.  

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Gorrie Ban was a worthy recipient of the funding and, despite being a modest contribution, it was a way of saying thank you. 

“It’s very easy these days to get caught up in life and forget the importance of getting together with friends and having a face-to-face chat and a laugh, as its those interactions that brings communities together and turn friendships into families, which is what Gorrie Ban does,” she said.

“So thank you to everyone involved in this wonderful organisation for all they do for the Lithgow community.”​ 

Lithgow City Councillor Cassandra Coleman attended the announcement due to her personal connection to Gorrie Ban. 

“Congratulations Gorrie Ban, you do a phenomenal job, my grandma comes here on a regular basis. so I hope to see you continue on into the future because no one deserves this money more,” she said. 

“It is a shame that council weren’t notified about the announcement because I know the mayor would’ve been pleased to be here.”