Flashback to Cape York Weekly, 28 October: Donor Ellis Richardson and FNQHF chief executive officer Gina Hogan call on the community to rally for cutting-edge robotic surgery in the region. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
More than $3.2 million was raised last financial year to improve health care, advance medical research and education, and upgrade hospital facilities across the region – thanks to the efforts of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
The results have been released after the foundation’s annual report 2024-2025 was tabled in State Parliament.
“Thanks to the success of our social enterprises, the foundation once again covered all operating costs, ensuring every dollar donated goes directly toward improving health outcomes across Far North Queensland,” foundation CEO Gina Hogan said.
The foundation invested $1.5 million in health care this year, including $1.19 million for equipment and $319,775 for research and education. Since its inception in 1997, it has contributed more than $29 million to strengthen local health care services.
This year’s projects included vital medical equipment upgrades in hospitals from Cairns to the Cape, including new ultrasound systems, patient monitors, chemotherapy chairs, and cardiac outreach tools. A fully equipped cardiac outreach vehicle and portable diagnostic equipment now service the far north, ensuring remote communities receive world-class care closer to home.
“Our vision has always been simple – to make sure every Far North Queenslander has access to the best possible health care without having to leave the region,” foundation chair Dr Ken Chapman said.
“This year, we’ve taken another big step toward achieving that.”
Nearly 1000 volunteers, affectionately known as the Purple Angels, dedicated more than 26,000 hours of service this year, powering patient support programs, fundraising events, and local initiatives.
Its 11 Friends of the Foundation groups raised $584,045, helping fund $454,000 in hospital equipment for regional communities from Tully to the Torres Strait.
“Our volunteers, donors and partners are the heart of everything we do. Their generosity, energy and belief in better health care make our impact possible,” Mrs Hogan said.
The Donate for DaNi campaign surged ahead during the financial year, reaching $3.53 million of the $4.3 million target to fund a cutting-edge surgical robot for Cairns Hospital. Once complete, the technology will revolutionise surgical precision, reduce recovery times, and help attract top medical talent to the region.
Looking ahead, the foundation is focused on expanding its social enterprises, supporting the health care workforce, and continuing to invest in regional equity and innovation in partnership with Cairns and Hinterland and Torres and Cape hospital and health services.
Donated funds not spent during the financial year have been quarantined for future strategic purchases, including the surgical robot campaign, which will occur once the fundraising goal is achieved.
“Together with our volunteers, donors and partners, we’re shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for Far North Queensland,” Mrs Hogan said.
“We’re proud of what’s been achieved, and even more excited about what’s next.”
Find out more: www.fnqhf.org.au
