September 23 2026
A home away from home: Rotary Cottage supports families close to care
For families who travel to Canberra while a loved one receives hospital treatment, having somewhere close and comfortable to stay can make a difficult time a little easier.
For Jackie and Jesse, Calvary Rotary Cottage provided a home away from home when they needed it most.
Located on the Calvary Bruce Private Hospital campus in Canberra, Calvary Rotary Cottage provides short-term accommodation for eligible families and carers who need to stay close to a loved one receiving hospital care.
For Jackie, having the Cottage just minutes from the hospital made an enormous difference while Jesse was receiving treatment.
“It meant a lot to us. The cottage was so conveniently located, just a two-minute walk from the hospital,” Jackie said.
“This meant I could easily go back to the cottage to get anything Jesse needed without having to worry about finding a taxi, paying for transport, or finding a driver to take me to a motel.
“It made everything so much easier and far less stressful, especially during such an emotional and worrying time.”
Staying close when it matters most
When a loved one is in hospital, travelling between accommodation and the hospital can add another practical and financial pressure for families, particularly those who have travelled from regional areas or interstate.
Staying at Rotary Cottage meant Jackie could remain close to Jesse while still having somewhere away from the hospital to rest and manage the everyday things she needed to do.
“It was also so convenient having all of our belongings close by. I could go back, have a shower, wash clothes, collect anything Jesse needed and be back at the hospital within minutes. That made a huge difference,” Jackie said.
A home away from home
More than its convenient location, Jackie said it was the welcoming, home-like environment that stood out during their stay.
“The biggest thing was the homely feel. After Jesse’s operation, I could take him back to somewhere comfortable that felt like home, while still knowing we were only minutes away from the hospital if anything arose,” she said.
“The people were also very helpful and considerate, which made us feel welcome.”
With facilities including a shower, laundry, television, heating and cooling, comfortable living areas and an outdoor barbecue area, Jackie and Jesse had many of the everyday comforts they needed during their stay.
“I loved that it wasn't just four walls. You could step outside, enjoy the surroundings and even go for a walk,” Jackie said.
“The cottage was incredibly tidy and comfortable. It almost felt like walking into a home, or a really nice motel, but with the added comfort and convenience of being so close to the hospital.”
Supporting families for 30 years
Calvary Rotary Cottage has provided accommodation for patients, families and carers in Canberra for 30 years.
Established by the Rotary Club of Belconnen in 1996, the Cottage was created to provide a convenient and affordable place to stay for people who need to remain close to loved ones receiving hospital care.
For Jackie and Jesse, having that support available removed one more worry at an already challenging time.
“I would say 100% use it if you can. I would highly recommend it,” Jackie said.
“It is much more affordable than staying in a motel and has everything you need. Most importantly, you are only a couple of minutes from the hospital, so you don't have to stay in a hospital environment while still having the reassurance that help is close if you need it.”
For other families facing a similar experience, Jackie said having somewhere like Rotary Cottage can make a meaningful difference.
“For families already dealing with the stress of having a loved one in hospital, having somewhere like Rotary Cottage takes away a huge amount of that additional worry.
“We are extremely grateful that we were able to stay there. It made a difficult time much easier for both me and Jesse.”
Staying at Calvary Rotary Cottage
Calvary Rotary Cottage is located on Mary Potter Circuit in Bruce, ACT, close to Calvary Bruce Private Hospital and North Canberra Hospital.
The Cottage provides short-term accommodation for eligible patients, families and carers who need somewhere to stay while accessing hospital care in Canberra.
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.
