A Cardiac CT service for FNQ patients is $100,000 closer, thanks to a significant donation from a local philanthropic family.
The Mills Family Foundation, represented by Anne Mills and Liz Franz, made the donation towards the Australian Retirement Trust Cardiac Challenge, after being motivated by news stories about the planned service.
The annual bike ride, hosted by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, is about to embark on its 20th anniversary event this weekend.
The new CT service will allow people who present to the Emergency Department with chest pain, but are not necessarily experiencing a heart attack, to be diagnosed more quickly and either receive appropriate treatment or be safely discharged.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said the Foundation was incredibly grateful to the Mills Family Foundation for the generous $100,000 donation and their belief in a vision for the future of cardiac care in Far North Queensland.
“This gift is a significant step towards bringing dedicated CT coronary angiography services to our region, helping patients receive faster diagnosis and reducing the need for more invasive procedures,” Mrs Hogan said.
“The support of Anne Mills, Liz Franz and the Mills Family Foundation has helped take Cardiac Challenge fundraising beyond $480,000 this year. Every dollar moves us closer to ensuring more Far North Queenslanders can access the care they need, close to home.”
Mrs Franz, wife of former Foundation CEO Tony Franz, who sadly died in 2025, said he was incredibly passionate about the event.
“Tony was involved with the Cardiac Challenge from its very beginning and completed 13 times over the years. Not only was he passionate about the event, but more importantly about improving healthcare and access to cardiac services for people throughout Far North Queensland,” Mrs Franz said.
“The Mills Family Foundation is very proud to continue supporting this amazing cause in Tony’s memory and to help build on the legacy he started,” she said.
“I encourage everyone to get out of their comfort zone, get involved and experience this wonderful event. Whether you ride, volunteer, donate or simply get behind the participants, every contribution helps make a difference. Let’s continue the legacy Tony started and help ensure people in our region can access the cardiac care they need, close to home.”
The Foundation is partnering with the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, for the CT service, with $1 million already in the bank from previous Cardiac Challenge rides and we need to raise another $1.7 million to bring the service to Far North Queensland.
Mrs Mills said the Mills Family Foundation was proud to be able to support the Foundation and make a difference to cardiac patients in the Far North.
The 2026 Australian Retirement Trust Cardiac Challenge is an annual 319-kilometre bike ride from Cairns to Cooktown and will be held from September 19-21 2026. To learn more or support the riders, visit www.cardiacchallenge.com.au.
Photo: Foundation Fundraising & Marketing Manager Jenny Coates, Anne Mills, Liz Franz and Foundation CEO Gina Hogan.
