Over 200 school-aged performers put on a Christmas concert at Panthers Port Macquarie on Tuesday November 26 with all funds raised to maintain and upgrade Rotary Lodge at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

Schools and performing arts studios from across the Port Macquarie-Hastings combined for a two-hour performance.

Guests included Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams and mayor Peta Pinson.

After the trauma of the recent devastating bushfires, Cr Pinson told the crowd it was good to have something to enjoy as a community.

"Rotary Lodge is such an important part of our community," she said.

"And it is so good that you have all taken the time to come out today and support this worthy cause and to see these children performing.

"It is about time that we had something to celebrate.

"It has been a sometimes really difficult time for us all over the last few weeks.

"This has been a time of anxiety (with the bushfire threat) but with this concert today it is really starting to look a lot like Christmas."

Organiser Julie Constable said the concert was a special time of the year.

"It is a very social time when a lot of people come out to enjoy the festivities, especially the aged care facilities," she said.

"This concert also gives children and the schools the chance to showcase what they do in their schools and studios with their performances.

"I think it just gives everyone the chance to have a bit of fun at the end of the year.

"It brings the community together for a bit of joy," she said.

Mrs Constable praised the Hastings Koala Orchestra - who opened the concert - for their fundraising efforts over the years.

"The orchestra recognised the need to help fund raise when Rotary Lodge was first built," she said.

"Their first effort was to successfully raise $1500 for air conditioning units.

"That was the forerunner to the bi-yearly concerts, and along with Sing Australia they hosted a mid-year Black and White Concert and the Christmas concert.

"Over the years they have raised over $14,000."

Rotary Lodge has 36 units with a further 12 to be built in 2020.

The accommodation caters for families who have patients in the Base Hospital and also helps patients from outlying areas who have to attend the cancer unit for treatment.

It is also used as an overflow from the Premi Babies Unit for mothers and families.

Mrs Constable said the units were also used as accommodation for fire fighters who needed urgent accommodation.

"Rotary Lodge is mainly available on weekends for people needing affordable accommodation away from drought-stricken areas," she said.

"It has also been used for weekend accommodation for people attending conferences or sporting events.

"Health specialists also use the Lodge when required."

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