From funding life-saving equipment and breakthrough technology to supporting patients, clinicians and researchers, community generosity has helped the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation invest more than $31 million into local healthcare since its establishment.
The milestone features in the Foundation’s newly released Impact Report, which highlights another year of significant impact across the region, with more than $3.2 million raised and $2.15 million invested into healthcare initiatives throughout Far North Queensland.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said the achievement reflected the collective efforts of thousands of donors, volunteers, businesses, community groups and event participants who continue to support better health care close to home.
“More than $31 million doesn’t happen without the incredible generosity of our community,” Mrs Hogan said.
“For 30 years, people across Far North Queensland have backed the Foundation because they understand the importance of ensuring local patients can access the very best care possible, close to family and friends.
“This milestone belongs to everyone who has bought a raffle ticket, volunteered their time, attended an event, made a donation or partnered with us to improve health outcomes across our region.”
Among the Foundation’s major achievements during 2025-2026 were the completion of the landmark $4.3 million Donate for DaNi campaign which funded Cairns Hospital’s first surgical robot, and a record-breaking $1.1 million raised at the Annual Donor Dinner to establish an ECMO Stabilisation Service.
The Foundation also continued to support hospitals and health facilities from Cairns to Cape York and the Torres Strait through medical equipment purchases, patient care initiatives, education opportunities and clinician-led research projects. Eighteen research and education projects received support during the year, helping advance local health care and build workforce capability across the region.
Community volunteers remained at the heart of the Foundation’s success, with almost 1000 volunteers contributing to fundraising activities and local Friends of the Foundation groups continuing to make a significant difference in their communities.
Across the financial year, Friends of the Foundation groups raised more than $515,000 and funded almost $424,000 worth of medical equipment and patient care improvements for their local hospitals and health services.
Beyond its fundraising activities, the Foundation continued to grow its unique social enterprise model. Through its cafés, catering services, fresh food vending network and hospital parking operations, the Foundation generates revenue that helps fund its operations and administration. This means 100% of donations are directed where they are needed most, supporting local healthcare initiatives across Far North Queensland.
During the year, the Foundation continued to strengthen and expand these services, improving accessibility, convenience and healthy food options throughout the hospital environment.
Mrs Hogan said the release of the Impact Report comes at an exciting time for the Foundation as preparations begin to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027.
“Over three decades, our community has helped transform health care across Far North Queensland,” she said.
“We’ve seen the impact community fundraising can have, from funding vital equipment and patient support programs to helping introduce world-class technology and services that simply would not have been possible otherwise.”
“While we’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved together, we’re even more excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead to improve health outcomes for people across our region.”
The Foundation’s 30th anniversary celebrations will culminate in a gala event in March 2027, providing an opportunity to recognise the volunteers, donors, partners and supporters whose generosity has helped shape three decades of impact across Far North Queensland.
To read the full Impact Report, visit: https://www.fnqhf.org.au/impact-report/
