April 21 2026
Calvary Rotary Cottage
The much-treasured Calvary Rotary Cottage has undergone a $100,000 refurbishment in its 30th year, enabling the service to continue providing a supportive home away from home for families of private and public hospital patients.
A new chapter of care
The cottage was originally established by the Rotary Club of Belconnen in 1996 as a community driven initiative to support families of hospital patients.
In mid-December 2025, the six bedroom accommodation facility temporarily closed for renovation. These works have been made possible through the generous support of the Rotary Club of Belconnen, Calvary Health Care, ACT Government and other local community groups and contractors donating labour, expertise and materials to refresh and modernise the facility.
Calvary Bruce Private Hospital General Manager, Sarah Black, said the cottage provided a highly valuable service on the Calvary Bruce campus ensuring patients who find themselves away from home to access medical treatment can have their family or carer nearby for emotional support.
“Calvary Rotary Cottage has played an important role in providing our patients holistic care on our campus for three decades,” said Ms Black. “We are deeply grateful to the enduring commitment of Rotary and its Clubs of Belconnen, Ginninderra, Canberra City, Hall and Woden, who have historically supported Calvary Rotary Cottage since inception in 1996, its extension in the first decade in 2006 and now this refurbishment a further 20 years later.”
“We are also thankful to the ACT Government, community groups and local businesses whose generosity ensures that families can stay close to loved ones during what can be challenging times in hospital, whether that is Calvary Bruce Private Hospital or North Canberra Hospital,” said Ms Black.
ACT Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith said both public and private patients and families had been provided low cost on campus accommodation through Rotary Lodge and this refurbishment ensured the Cottage could continue to operate as a supportive home away from home for families when they need it most.
“Rotary Cottage is a practical example of what strong, long-standing partnerships between health services, community organisations and government can deliver. I look forward to seeing how these refurbishments support Rotary’s continued use,” said Ms Stephen-Smith.
Belconnen Rotary’s Bob Greeney said the organisation was proud to continue supporting the partnership with the Calvary Bruce Private Hospital through a $27,000 donation towards ensuring the ongoing suitability and operation of the Calvary Rotary Cottage in Bruce.
“This is a good example of the use of funds raised through Belconnen Rotary’s Trash and Treasure Market operated every Sunday at the Jamison shopping centre for 52 years”, he said.
“Belconnen Rotary is grateful for the support of many other Rotary Clubs in Canberra and the SE NSW region, which helped Rotary to initiate this significant community service with additional backing from other local groups. Belconnen Rotary looks forward to continuing this partnership with Calvary Bruce Private Hospital.”
Rotary’s significant financial commitment ensures the service continues into the future for the many people who will call it a temporary home when they are at their most vulnerable, and it is a testament to the long-standing relationship with Calvary.
Please note that bookings for Calvary Rotary Cottage will open on 18 May 2026, and accommodation will not be available prior to this date.
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Calvary Health Care also acknowledges the contributions of:
- Community Services team, ACT Government
- Enhanced Painting Services
- Urban Treescapes, ACT Government
Express your interest
Express your interest via the form below and our team will be in touch.
Frequently asked questions
You can enquire about availability or make a booking via our Expression of Interest form or on (02) 6245 3100. We’ll then be in touch using your preferred contact method to confirm and finalise your booking.
Family members and carers of patients who have travelled interstate or regionally for treatment at Calvary Bruce Private Hospital, the neighbouring North Canberra Hospital, and other health facilities across the ACT. Bookings are prioritised based on need.
Access to the Cottage is coordinated directly through Calvary Bruce Private Hospital staff, and a referral is not required.
Costs are kept minimal and as affordable as possible to support families and carers during difficult times. Payment details and any applicable fees will be confirmed at the time of booking.
Stays are generally short-term and based on need, and while an immediate family member is receiving treatment. The length of stay depends on demand and individual circumstances and will be confirmed by our team at the time of booking.
The Cottage provides a supportive, home-like environment where families can rest and recharge. It features six bedrooms:
- Two bedrooms with extra large double beds with trundles – maximum of four people per room
- Two bedrooms with twin beds with trundles – maximum of two people per room
- Two bedrooms with single bed and trundle – maximum of two people per room
All bedrooms include an ensuite bathroom, small bar fridge, and TV. Rooms are allocated based on availability and individual need.
There are also shared facilities, including a kitchen, laundry, dining, and lounge areas:
- Kitchen: Microwave, kettle, toaster, fridge, and air fryer
- Dining: Six-seater dining table
- Laundry: Washer and dryer
- Outdoor area: Seating area and BBQ facilities
This accommodation is best suited for immediate family members or carers needing to remain close to a patient.
The Cottage is located at Mary Potter Circuit, Bruce ACT 2617 on the Calvary Bruce Private Hospital campus. It is a short walk from the Cottage to Calvary Bruce Private Hospital, across the road from Calvary Hyson Green mental health, and North Canberra Hospital, offering convenient access.
Guests staying at the Cottage have access to parking in the multi-storey car park.
If your circumstances change, please get in touch with our team as soon as possible on (02) 6245 3100. We will do our best to accommodate extensions or manage cancellations, subject to availability and demand.
