She is seeking support and feedback from the local community about the possibility of establishing a respite type facility in town.

Ms Haynes was raised in Wallendbeen and now lives in Cootamundra. She works as a nurse and has been a full-time mother and carer of a child/adult with a physical disability for 24 years.

“I am able to relate to the financial and emotional stress that full-time caring places on families,” Ms Haynes said.

“Caring for a person with a disability is physically, mentally and financially draining.

‘The family unit is compromised and often breaks down, leaving one parent to manage an already stressful situation, often with other children to manage.”

Ms Haynes said the stresses of the ongoing situation make it difficult for families to get away and take a break. Time away from attending the constant rounds of physio, doctors, tests, assessments and much more is critical to keeping the family unit strong.

“What are the chances of city carers looking after a child or adult with disabilities of getting away for a holiday – a chance to wind down, to be distracted, to find peace, to adjust and to reconnect to the situation.”

While in the city recently attending medical appointments with her son and speaking to other carers, the need for a holiday opportunity for city carers and their families was reaffirmed in Ms Haynes’ mind.

On the back of undertaking a personal self expression leadership program through Landmark Education, Ms Haynes decided the time was right to propose “Country Connect Holiday Retreat”.

“Our community is so diverse, we have culture, sports and a strong farming network – there really is something for everyone,” Ms Haynes said.

The town is also well equipped in terms of medical support and ancillary services, plus the Snowy Hydro Southcare helicopter is on call.

She is hoping the Cootamundra community, in particular the corporate community will support the endeavour, which would involve purchasing or renting a property for the purpose of becoming the holiday home.

Ms Haynes envisages people will stay at the home for a couple of weeks at a time.

“Time to rejuvenate is so important and you cannot do that in a quick weekend away.”

She is now calling on the community to submit ideas as to how to make this holiday opportunity a reality.

If you have any suggestions or feedback please contact the Herald on editorial.cootaherald@ruralpress. com.