Gunnedah Pensioners and Superannuants Association surprised Yallambee committee member Margaret Dodd with the significant amount, which will be buoy the not-for-profit organisation.

Association president Myra Tailby said the money was a bequest from the late Bill Rolph who was an association member and they felt they had "carried out his wishes".

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Ms Dodd said the donation was a "wonderful contribution for a wonderful cause".

"[Yallambee] does not receive government funding and relies heavily on rentals receives from the accommodation for men and women 55 years and over," she said.

"Yallambee is supported by the Gunnedah community with donations such as received from the pensioners association.

"The committee will endeavour to use the donation wisely for the comfort and safety of the residents and organise an appropriate plaque to recognise such a generous donation."

Mr Rolph left a bequest of $28,000 to the superannuants association in 1979 when he died at the age of 89. The president at the time - Len Sleath - invested the money and over the years, interest accrued.

The association gifted $12,000 to Lundie House in 2007 to furnish a room in the McAuley wing as it would benefit any pensioners going into the nursing home.

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