Tony Franz’s dedication to improving health care in the region will continue despite his passing, with a donation made in his name.
The Mills Family Foundation has donated $50,000 to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation in support of DaNi, the surgical robot. This state-of-the-art innovation will improve surgical outcomes for patients across the region.
This generous contribution is made in heartfelt memory of Mr Franz, who served as Foundation CEO for 16 years. A former board member of the Mills Family Foundation, he was widely respected for his boundless energy, compassion, and unwavering commitment to improving health care in his community.
His wife Liz Franz said the gift was particularly pertinent as Tony had recently been diagnosed with a low-grade prostate cancer, prior to his death earlier this year.
“We’re so proud that his legacy of care and generosity will continue through this vital advancement in men’s health,” Mrs Franz said.
“He gave so much of himself to this community that I am honoured to support a project that reflects his passion for innovation in health care and ensures his impact continues in years to come. He will always be remembered for his humour, kindness and commitment to making a difference – and hopefully this donation will help save lives.”
She has now joined the Mills Family Foundation committee, continuing her husband’s legacy of service and care in the region.
With this latest gift, the Mills Family Foundation has donated more than $611,000 to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, supporting numerous projects that enhance patient care.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said the donation represented a full-circle moment.
“This gift is coming to us through our Matched Giving campaign with Denise and Ellis Richardson, meaning the $50,000 becomes $100,000,” Mrs Hogan said.
Mrs Mills reflected on the strong donor connections that shaped these initiatives, recalling her meeting with the Richardsons when they jointly funded the final stage of the Foundation’s Cancer Care Hub project.
“Tony devoted so much of himself to improving health care in Far North Queensland. To see his legacy continue through this act of generosity is incredibly moving. We are so grateful to Liz and the Mills Family Foundation for honouring Tony in a way that will directly change lives. Their compassion and vision ensure his dedication to better care continues to shine through every patient helped by this technology,” Mrs Hogan said.
Photo: Foundation CEO Gina Hogan thanked Anne Mills and Liz Franz from the Mills Family Foundation, for the gift in Tony Franz’s honour.
