National Palliative Care Week, held from May 10 to 16, is a time to raise awareness, start important conversations, and highlight the support available for people living with life-limiting illness.
As shared by Palliative Care Australia:
“Every day in Australia, over 450 people across the age spectrum die of a life-limiting illness. Every one of them could benefit from palliative care – care that is their human right, care that can enrich their final days, and care that too many people still miss out on.
With the support of the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, National Palliative Care Week (NPCW) opens conversations, raises awareness, and advocates for better access to and acceptance of palliative and end-of-life care.”
Palliative care focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. It supports not only the person who is unwell, but also their family and loved ones through what can be an incredibly challenging time.
A key part of palliative care is the concept of a hospice. A hospice is a place designed specifically for people who are nearing the end of life, typically with a life expectancy of six months or less. It is not just a medical facility—it is a home-like environment where people receive 24/7 care, pain management, emotional support, and compassion.
Hospices allow people to live their final days in comfort, with dignity, and often in a more peaceful and personal setting than a hospital. However, in Bundaberg, there are currently no public or private hospice facilities.
While there are palliative care wards in hospitals, some palliative home support and support within nursing homes, these options are limited and often difficult to access due to high demand, waitlists, and staffing shortages.
The impact of this gap is being felt across the community. As celebrant Cynthia Hoogstraten shared in July 2025:
“Bundaberg, we have a situation here that is affecting our ageing population or anyone needing extended palliative care. No availability in nursing homes (you are placed on a waitlist), no hospice, lack of private nurses and staff shortages.
I have a dear friend who needs 24/7 nursing care and can’t find a place to live out the end of her life. Our politicians and leaders are aware of the problem. It takes a village to raise a child, but also a village to support a person at the end of life.”
Discussions regarding a local Bundaberg Hospice have been ongoing since 2009. However no significant development has been made.
Despite these challenges, there are individuals who have come together to make a difference. For those wishing to be part of the solution, the Bundaberg Community Hospice Facebook Group offers a way to get involved — with members meeting monthly at various locations (details available on the group page). They are working towards incorporation, establishing a dedicated fundraising committee and new members are warmly welcomed.
For those in need of End of Life support, the Palliative Care Australia website has a range information and resources.
Local and regional resources:
Bundaberg
• Cancer Council Queensland – Bundaberg Office: 07 4150 4500
• Palliative Access Bundaberg: 07 4150 2725
Hervey Bay
• Fraser Coast Hospice: 07 4334 0030
Gympie
• Little Haven Palliative Care: 07 5482 9091
Doonan
• Katie Rose Cottage Hospice: 07 5471 1468
Rockhampton
• Fitzroy Community Hospice: 07 4887 4138
National Palliative Care Week is a chance to reflect on what compassionate end-of-life care should look like in every community. Where access to comfort, dignity, and support at the end of life should be available to everyone—not just in some places, but everywhere.
Chitchat Newspaper – May 2026