Strengthening support for central Queenslanders in need

The Fitzroy Community Hospice will soon open its doors to provide much needed palliative care and support services for central Queenslanders with an incurable disease. 

As the only hospice north of Hervey Bay, the newly established Fitzroy Community Hospice is a not-for-profit charity that will improve access to community-based palliative care for local residents and their families. 

The new facility was officially opened today, bringing together project stakeholders, community supporters and donors to celebrate this significant milestone. The opening also coincides with National Palliative Care Week, which aims to raise awareness about palliative care.

The facility has been fitted out with 11 beds as well as additional administrative and meeting space facilities, including lounge areas, a reflection space, a counselling room and a resource space.

The hospice will provide a home-like environment and a well-supported alternative to care in hospital or at home, and will be capable of providing the full spectrum of subacute palliative care, including short-term symptom management, transitional care between hospital and home, and end of life care. 

The project was supported with $8 million from the Australian Government with an additional $918,345 committed by the central Queensland community and the Fitzroy Community Hospice.  

The facility will be open for care in June 2024 and is projected to admit around 250 people over its first years of operation. 

The project supported 350 jobs during construction and once fully operational, the hospice will employ 17 full-time employees who will be assisted by approximately 50 volunteers. You can find out more information here. 

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development & Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm: 

“The opening of the Fitzroy Community Hospice will be welcome news for central Queenslanders. The Australian Government is proud to support the development of much needed healthcare facilities and provide a peaceful place of rest for those who need it.

“Central Queensland’s population is growing, and as people age and health requirements become more complex, the need for a hospice is only going to become greater.   

“As the only palliative care facility in central Queensland, I look forward to seeing the care, support and ongoing impact the Fitzroy Community Hospice will provide for patients and their loved ones.”