Otis Foundation general manager Rachel Mason and property manager Lynda Davis visited the Eurobodalla on Tuesday and have been scouting the area.

They said they were in negotiations regarding a South Durras home.

That property would join 19 others in NSW, Victoria and South Australia loaned to the Foundation for up to 12 weeks a year.

“This is an ideal setting, because it is accessible from Canberra and Sydney and it is a restful, quiet and beautiful area where people can have time out and stare at the water,” Mrs Mason said.

Mrs Davis said the foundation’s two other South Coast properties, at Mollymook and Bawley Point, were booked to capacity, and more were needed.

“We are looking for a slightly largish place where a family could go, and be joined by supporters and friends,” Mrs Mason said.

“The ideal scenario is that they would be available in the off-peak period.

“They would be gifting the property for that time.

“We can tailor packages to what the owners need.

“We have 2500 nights of accommodation available, but 17,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each year, so there is a big gap.” 

The foundation pays for cleaning, linen and some maintenance, and Mrs Mason and Mrs Davis believed there was plenty of motivation for someone to make their property available.

“It is a lovely thing to do, and that is payment enough,” Mrs Davis said.

“These homes are creating family memories.

“When you read the notes in the guestbooks, it makes you cry,” Mrs Mason said.

The foundation began as a dying wish of Judy Burley, who passed away in 2000 from secondary breast cancer.

She and her surgeon husband Andrew built a retreat home in Bendigo, which was so helpful she wanted all women to have such a haven.

If you would like to help the foundation, call Mrs Davis on (03) 5444 1185.

Visit www.otisfoundation.org.au for more information.