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Jerilderie Lions Club president Paul Ryan officially handed over $30,000 on behalf of the Jerilderie community to Keith Martin, the centre’s fundraising coordinator, on Thursday.

Following this presentation, Terri Leeds, on behalf of the Jerilderie Open Gardens, made a presentation to Mr Martin for another $15,000 raised through the open garden weekends in October. This brought the combined total to an outstanding $45,000.

Mr Martin expressed his thanks to the tremendous efforts of Jerilderie and Finley community members.

‘‘Finley and Jerilderie are the stars, they’ve probably raised $100,000 between the two areas.

‘‘It’s not only the fact they contributed funds towards the centre, but in doing so they’re also an example for others.

‘‘Their efforts, commitment and inspiration have had a tremendous follow-on effect.’’

The Albury Wodonga Carer Accommodation Centre aims to lessen the stress and burden associated with having to seek daily, weekly or monthly medical treatment.

It provides accommodation to patients, their carers and their families who need to travel for the services.

‘‘We expect the build to be finished within three weeks. We then need to have the final fit-out,’’ said Mr Martin, who expects the centre to be open for business early next year.

‘‘The official opening is likely to be in February when the federal minister is available. There will be a number of soft openings to show the supporters and donors what we’ve done.’’

Mr Martin said the top level of the Albury Wodonga Carer Accommodation Centre would be named the ‘Jerilderie Room’ and would have picturesque views overlooking the tree tops.

Also, in the main entrance to the facility, there will be a fabulous garden dedicated to Jerilderie Country Gardens. The fundraising effort has been a 12-month campaign from Jerilderie Lions Club.

Lions president Paul Ryan thanked the Tidy Towns Committee, Apex Club, Tennis Club, Makatak members, Jerilderie thirds and their supporters and Lifeballers for their contributions, as well as all those who donated privately.

‘‘It was a wonderful community effort,’’ Mr Ryan said.

‘‘Lions started talking about raising the funds in November last year. Since then, it’s been a very good response to the cause.’’

The centre’s fundraising committee, which was set the task of raising $2.5 million, needs another $300,000 to finish the project.’’