The final administrative approvals for the Rotary Lodge expansion, including car parking and drainage, came through in late 2018.

The 12-room expansion, which boosted room numbers to 36, cost close to $2.5 million including the land purchase and 52-space car park construction.

Rotary Lodge’s core clients are patients, carers and relatives of people staying in hospital.

Rotary Lodge Board chairman Phil Hafey said Rotary Lodge had been turning people away prior to the expansion.

That is no longer the case.

Mr Hafey said the facilities were as good as any motel he had ever stayed in.

Positive feedback has flowed from Rotary Lodge guests.

He said Rotary Lodge provided a caring environment for people in times of need.

“We are continuing to build relationships with the hospital and other medical facilities,” Mr Hafey said.

He said Rotary Lodge, which would continue to support patients, relatives and carers, would work with doctor groups to ensure the medical community was aware of the service.

Rotary Lodge has also rebranded with a new logo.

Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams officially opened the 12-room extension at Rotary Lodge on March 20, 2018.

The timing of a further 12-room expansion depends on funding.