However, she’s received backing from Ricky Stuart and his foundation for the cause. Founder of Eden Monaro Cancer Support Group, Mrs Cuschieri is campaigning for a dedicated respite facility to cater to all ages and all conditions, particularly to keep younger patients out of nursing homes.

Her personal story, of how her sick son, Steven, was put into a nursing home at the age of 54 because there was no respite services available, has been the driving force for the project.

“Still now I cry about the fact that he had to go there,” Mrs Cuschieri said. “I’ve never gotten over the fact that I did it. That’s how guilty I feel.”

Steven was in respite at the nursing home when he died, just a day before he was due to return home. Mrs Cuschieri envisages a five or six bed facility would be a starting point with potential to expand from there if the need exists.

Former cancer support group board member Paul Walshe has joined the cause and has been lobbying government and gauging community support.

They secured a petition with more than 2000 signatures and presented it to local politicians in February. Mrs Cuschieri spent hours in shopping centres getting signatures.

Recently, Mrs Cuschieri’s health has declined and Mr Walshe has taken over most negotiations.

He said he’s disappointed with the lack of communication from Mr Barilaro’s office after what he described as a positive first meeting.

“What John [Barilaro] seemed to indicate was that if we identify a piece of land, we could get someone to design the facility in consultation with the government and get a budget in place,” Mr Walshe said.

“If part of that is the community needs to get behind it, I will go out and fundraise.

“But I’m not a specialist in this area and that’s what I’m asking John Barilaro and the NSW government to do, get me to a stage where I can sell something to the community.”

This belief is shared by Ricky Stuart who is offering support both personally and through his foundation which is in the process of building a second respite centre in Canberra.

“I’ve learnt that our partnership with the ACT government has been crucial,” Mr Stuart said.

“Paul and Yvonne desperately need John Barilaro and the support of the NSW government. Having that relationship is crucial.”

“It’s a responsibility to help Queanbeyan grow and it’s certainly what the town needs.”

In a statement Mr Barilaro said he supports the idea of a respite centre in Queanbeyan but has not progressed any plans at this time.

“I am personally supportive of the project for a potential respite centre in Queanbeyan and recognise the effort that Yvonne and Paul have put in to the cause,” Mr Barilaro said.

“I contacted the office of the minister for disability services for information on how we can support this project.

“To progress, we need to work out the finer details and decide what kind of facility is needed, and who will operate it.”