"Lots of giving is going on and continuing," said chairperson Judy Hollingworth.

About 275 attended the garden party and while final figures haven't been determined, the event raised a net amount of between $12,000 and $12,500.

"We're very happy with that. We had a lot of fun doing the auction. Bruce Moy and Anthony Zanos did a fabulous job, giving it that polish."

But it was the number of people who pitched in, in all kinds of ways, that really made an impression on Judy.

"Every time we do something people are giving goods, services, concessions, supplies, drop off and pick ups or come and bid on the auction.

"It's a great thing to draw the community together and we come together to demonstrate that we care about each other, stand for each other and go out of our way for each other."

This is the fourth time the group has held a fundraiser at the private property of foundation member Marie O'Neill in Bohnock.

"She just gives and gives," said Judy.

Musical entertainment was provided by 'Hats' Lewis, The Choir Girls (Robyn Lee and Jacqui Winn), Matt Zarb and Rhys Whitton.

The auction, mainly of paintings by local artists, raised $5000 overall.

Seven local artists were represented, the biggest seller being a work by award-winning children's illustrator and author Stephen Michael King.

Also up for auction was a painting by a well known artist that was pre-owned, as well as a crocheted quilt.

A decision on where the raised funds will be spent hasn't been made yet.

Earlier in the year Manning Valley Push for Palliative saw $20,000 in equipment provided to Manning Hospital and Judy said there now needs to be consultation with the hospital's palliative staff and the Community Health palliative team about what is needed.

She said with the community "co-funding its own palliative care", the advocacy work of the group is focused on addressing the need for more funding from the State Government.

"We've raised $170,000 in three and a half years. That's peanuts for the State Government."

She added that it can be "hard to get the right stuff, not enough or soon enough to help people. Usually a life limiting illness is quick and it can take years to get something from the government.

"It's so easy for the State Government to give a bit more."

She said with an ageing community (the Lyne electorate is the fastest ageing area in New South Wales) and people living longer, there is more and more illness and a high incidence of heart disease in the area.

Judy, also the deputy chair of Palliative Care Australia, said results of a national online survey shows most Australians known they should plan for the end of their lives, but are putting it off.

"The survey of 1000 Australian adults commissioned for National Palliative Care Week (May 19 to 26) found 79 per cent think it is important to think and talk about their preferences for care at the end of life, but only 25 per cent had talked to their family, and only six per cent had talked to their doctor," she said.

"We asked those people why, and the most common response was that they weren't sick (40 per cent), they were too young (30 per cent), the subject made them uncomfortable (24.5 per cent), or they didn't want to upset their loved ones (21.2 per cent)."

Did you know the Manning River Times is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up here.