Media Release from Fitzroy Community Hospice
Fitzroy Community Hospice is celebrating two years of providing fee-free, personalised, and compassionate palliative care and bereavement support services for Central Queenslanders, alongside a new chapter in leadership.
Inaugural Business Manager and newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tanya Johnson said the Hospice has cared for 372 patients and their families in its first two years since opening its doors on 10 June 2024.
“From being here when our first patient was admitted until now, it is an absolute privilege to lead an organisation providing such dignified care to patients and their families in our local community during their final stages of life,” Mrs Johnson said.
“During the first two years of operations, our nurses and broader team have surpassed expectations and given so many families the space, time and support needed to honour local lives well lived,” she said.
Patient statistics (10 June 2024 – 9 June 2026)
- 372 individual patients cared for during first two years of operations at Fitzroy Community Hospice
- Type of diagnosis
- Malignant (cancer) – 63%
- Non-malignant (organ failure, dementia etc) – 37%
- Reason for admission
- End of life care – 75%
- Symptom management – 12%
- Carer fatigue respite – 13%
- Referrals by Local Government Area
- Rockhampton – 76.9%
- Livingstone – 13.7%
- Banana (Biloela) – 0.8%
- Central Highlands (Emerald) – 2.4%
- Other – 1.9%
“We’ve also grown our services beyond the patient room, with no-cost bereavement support initiatives available to all grieving families including personal check in calls, memorial services, and our ‘Cuppa and Chat’ support group.
“Our care and support services are like no other, and as a not-for-profit organisation, it’s something we cannot provide without continued donations and community support,” she said.
Leadership changes and current vacancies
Fitzroy Community Hospice is currently recruiting for several positions following a recent leadership change and internal restructure.
The vacant roles suit individuals who are passionate about dignified end-of-life care for their community and have experience in business, finance, and administrative support.
More information on these roles is available at www.fitzroyhospice.org.au/careers.
Donations and support
Donations and community support are vital to ensuring Fitzroy Community Hospice can continue providing its extra special level of palliative care at no cost to the community.
All donations over $2 are tax-deductible and can be made online, over the phone, or in person.
- Online – www.fitzroyhospice.org.au
- Phone – 4887 4138
- In person – 38 Agnes Street, The Range
