Now in its 65th year, the Macksville Gift not only showcases talent on the track but also gives back to the community that has supported it so well over the years.

Organisers of the event have this year chosen to donate funds to the Macksville Health Campus Palliative Care service and Valla Rural Fire Service.

Macksville Gift President Owen Rushton and Treasurer Helen Rushton handed over a $500 donation to members of the Palliative Care team who were very grateful for the local event’s support of their valuable health service.

“We are a community event and we want to give back to the community,” Mr Rushton said.

“We raise funds throughout the year to stage the Macksville Gift and that community support has meant we have been able to support many local groups and facilities such as our hospital and the local pool.

“And we’ve been doing it now for 65 years,” Mr Rushton said.

Program Manager Community and Allied Health for Macksville, Bellingen and Nambucca HealthOne, John Parker joined Palliative Care Registered Nurses Allison McLaughlin and Penny West to accept the donation and personally thank the Macksville Gift committee for its generous donation.

“You can’t underestimate local communities like this one and how they get behind their local health service. It really is a kindness of spirit that runs deep in this valley,” Mr Parker said.

“This donation will help us to provide resources to support our Palliative Care service which plays a very important role in looking after community members of all ages.

“The Macksville Gift is such an iconic local event that has been running for so many decades and has always been a great supporter of the community,” Mr Parker said.

This year’s Macksville Gift will be run on Saturday, 10 November, featuring the prestigious professional foot race and a host of amateur races, entertainment and community activities.