During this year’s National Palliative Care Week (NPCW), Palliative Care Queensland joined with friends, colleagues, volunteers, and communities across the state to invite Queenslanders to get to the heart of it: by asking the big questions and seeking real answers with the people who matter most.
We are incredibly proud and enthused by the response.
Across Queensland, many people leaned into what truly matters: making informed decisions, starting conversations about advance care planning, sharing lived experiences, and reflecting on how our health system can continue to grow in compassion, capacity and readiness.
These conversations are vital. They help ensure high-quality palliative care is available for anyone, anywhere in Queensland.
From public activations and community conversations to special celebrations and advocacy events, NPCW 2026 was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we come together.
Celebrating Ambulance Wish Queensland’s 300th wish
One of the most significant moments of the week was the celebration of Ambulance Wish Queensland’s 300th wish, fulfilled for Roma at Toowoomba Hospice.
Roma’s wish was to visit her late husband Bob’s grave on the fifth anniversary of his passing, followed by a special lunch with her daughters.
Her wish reflected what matters most to her: love, connection, remembrance, and the bond between two people that have shared a lifetime together. A powerful expression that love endures, even across time.
Every wish fulfilled highlights the compassion of our volunteers, clinicians and community who help make these moments possible.
Read more about this special milestone here:
Creating moments of connection and joy
Throughout the week, special events brought together patients, families, carers, clinicians, and communities in meaningful and often joyful ways.
At Dove Specialist Palliative Care Service on the Sunshine Coast, a beautiful collaboration between local palliative care services transformed the courtyard into a welcoming space for connection. Families, carers, and clinicians came together to share conversations, supported by therapy dogs and even three exotic birds from Maleny Bird World.
At Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, a “Mega Wish” event created a memorable morning for palliative patients, their families, and staff. Complete with a petting zoo, morning tea, mocktails and entertainment, the event offered a chance to pause, celebrate, and create special moments together.
Taking palliative care conversations into the community
Across Queensland, our team and sector colleagues met people where they were, bringing information, support, and conversation directly into local communities.
In King George Square, Brisbane, Palliative Care Queensland hosted a public activation where more than 500 bags filled with palliative care information were distributed. Passersby stopped to connect with the team, ask important questions and learn more about palliative care and available support.
In Ipswich, our team joined with Ipswich Hospice and Lisa’s Lunches at Riverlink and Yamanto shopping centres, speaking with local residents about the importance of palliative care and advance care planning. Over 150 resource bags were distributed, helping people access practical information and support.
A smaller but deeply meaningful gathering was held by Palliative Care Queensland with Noosa Seniors and Country to Coast, where participants shared lived experiences and encouraged one another to open up. A key takeaway for many was realising they were not alone, and that support is available, whether they are navigating a diagnosis themselves or caring for someone they love.
At Regis in Gatton, conversations centred on care, connection and compassion, alongside the symbolic sowing of 1,000 Hearts.
Advocating for the future of palliative care
National Palliative Care Week also provided an important opportunity to advocate for the future of palliative care in Queensland.
At Parliament House, Louise O’Neill, CEO of Palliative Care Queensland along with staff, joined Queensland politicians, specialist palliative care representatives, hospice leaders and community support organisations for the NPCW MP Lunchbox event.
Together, we engaged in meaningful discussions about the challenges facing the palliative care sector, our priorities for the future, and the urgent need to ensure every Queenslander can access quality palliative and end-of-life care, no matter where they live.
A significant highlight of the event was the launch of the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of Palliative Care Group, an encouraging step toward stronger awareness and support for palliative care across government.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our volunteers, colleagues, partners, and community members.
Thank you for your time, compassion, and commitment throughout National Palliative Care Week. Every conversation started, every question asked, and every story shared helps bring us closer to a Queensland where everyone can access the care, dignity and support they deserve at the end of life.
