This National Palliative Care Week (11–17 May 2025) Country to Coast Queensland is proud to partner with Palliative Care Queensland’s Ambulance Wish Queensland program and Mingary Care to raise awareness about end-of-life planning and the power of compassionate care.
Now in its 30th year, National Palliative Care Week is Australia’s leading campaign highlighting the importance of palliative care in supporting people through one of life’s most significant journeys.
This year’s theme, “What’s your plan?”, calls on all Australians to consider how they want to live well until the end, and to start meaningful conversations with their loved ones about future care, legacy, and wishes.
Country to Coast Queensland Chief Executive, Julie Sturgess, says this week is about honouring the people, services and communities who provide care, comfort and dignity every day.
“It’s also about empowering individuals to have a plan—because a plan brings peace of mind not just for ourselves, but for those we love.”
Palliative Care Queensland CEO, Louise O’Neill, added, “Our Ambulance Wish Queensland program helps fulfil the final wishes of Queenslanders with a life-limiting illness—often simple requests like feeling the sand between their toes or hearing the ocean one last time. This week, we remind people that it’s never too early to talk about what matters most.
“Country to Coast, QLD became our major Sunshine Coast Hub sponsor in August 2024. Their support allows us to grant final wishes, grow compassion in our communities, and deliver vital health awareness campaigns, like Advance Care Planning.”
Mingary Care Managing Director, Sue Mason-Baker, emphasised the importance of inclusive, culturally respectful support: “At Mingary Care, we walk beside families in their final chapter. Planning ahead allows us to provide care that truly reflects each person’s values, culture and preferences.
“For many families, these conversations are both emotional and empowering.”
Bruce’s Wish was to visit Noosa Heads Main Beach and on 23 January 2024 Palliative Care Queensland’s Ambulance Wish Queensland program joined his family to make his wish come true.
Bruce’s daughter, Rachelle Marian shared: “When Dad, Bruce, was diagnosed with stage 4 Glioblastoma in November 2023, our family was devastated.
“As his health declined, one of his final wishes was simple yet deeply meaningful, to feel the salt water on his skin surrounded by his loved ones in his hometown of Noosa. Thanks to Ambulance Wish Queensland, this heartfelt wish became a reality.
“On the day of the visit, Sue, Kiah, Lorraine, and Vicki went above and beyond to make the experience truly unforgettable. Their kindness, compassion, and professionalism shone through every step of the way. They not only ensured Dad’s comfort but also created an atmosphere of warmth and care that allowed us to focus on cherishing those precious moments together. Seeing Dad smile as he felt the ocean breeze and the salt water touch his skin was a memory we will treasure forever. It brought him, our family and friends so much peace during such a challenging time. We are forever grateful to Ambulance Wish Queensland for giving our family this gift of love and connection in Dad’s final days. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us create such a beautiful and lasting memory.”
Bruce’s wish took him back to the place that sowed the seeds for a lifetime of surfing and travel. Accompanied by his wife, Angie, their three children, Rachelle, Sophia and Max, and a circle of cherished family and friends, Bruce revelled in the beauty of a Sunshine Coast morning, basking in the warmth of the sun and the thrill of the surf.
View video footage of Bruce’s wish: ambulancewishqld.org.au/bruces-wish-was-to-visit-noosa-main-beach
What’s your plan?
Join the conversation this National Palliative Care Week by visiting palliativecareqld.org.au/npcw2025 for local events, resources and support services.
To start your own care planning journey, visit advancecareplanning.org.au/create-your-plan/create-your-plan-qld
Join the conversation this National Palliative Care Week by visiting palliativecareqld.org.au/npcw2025 for local events, resources and support services.
To start your own care planning journey, visit advancecareplanning.org.au/create-your-plan/create-your-plan-qld
Caption: Country to Coast Queensland Healthy Ageing and End of Life Care staff join Mingary Care at the Alexandra Headland Surf Club to co-promote the importance of palliative care.
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