Cancer Council Queensland

When John travelled to Townsville for cancer treatment, he and his carer Bella stayed at Cancer Council Queensland’s Gluyas Rotary Lodge – a place where regional patients can find comfort, care and community during a difficult time. “Staying at Gluyas Rotary Lodge has made my cancer stay very comfortable and I thank Cancer Council Queensland from the bottom of my heart,” John said. Our treatment lodges across Queensland provide affordable, supportive accommodation for people who need to travel away from home for cancer treatment to help ease the burden so they can focus on what matters most: getting well. Learn more about our lodges and how they support Queenslanders affected by cancer: https://lnkd.in/gCkz-KNF

Golf legends assemble! Take the ultimate golf challenge and help drive life-changing progress for Queenslanders impacted by cancer. The Longest Day is Cancer Council Queensland’s ultimate golf endurance challenge – testing your skill, strength and stamina as you take on 36, 54 or 72 holes in one day to raise vital funds for cancer research, prevention programs and support services. The official challenge day is Monday, December 10, but you can take part on any day in November and December. Register today and make it the longest – and most meaningful – day of the year: longestday.org.au

Cancer Council Queensland was proud to host the Breast & Prostate Cancer Association of QLD Inc. (BPCAQ) Nurse Practicum at our Brisbane office this week. This four-day workshop brings together eight emerging cancer care nurses from regional, rural and remote Queensland for an intensive professional development experience. Participants visited leading cancer treatment centres including Greenslopes Private Hospital, the Princess Alexandra Hospital to view the Gamma Knife service and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for an immunotherapy presentation and tour of the cancer surgical unit. They also attended a range of educational sessions on cancer cell biology, radiation therapy, psychological care for breast and prostate cancer patients, and physiotherapy rehabilitation following treatment. In addition, nurses toured the Spirit of Life boutique and our Charles Wanstall Apex Lodge to gain further insight into the comprehensive support services available to people affected by cancer. This program provides valuable education and hands-on experience, equipping nurses to take new knowledge and skills back to their communities to enhance patient care and improve outcomes across Queensland.

This week, Cancer Council Queensland appeared before the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Dismantling Illegal Trade) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, alongside our colleagues from Lung Foundation Australia and the Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH). Together, we presented a united public health voice in strong support of the Bill and called for its swift passage in full. Cancer Council Queensland CEO Matt Gardiner spoke about the significance of the Bill, sharing that if enacted, it will establish the strongest enforcement framework in Australia to disrupt illicit supply chains. Over the past few years, the rapid growth of the illicit trade has fuelled youth vaping, undermined decades of hard-won tobacco control gains, and increased the risk of preventable cancers. In addition, Cancer Council Queensland called for improvements to public reporting mechanisms. Empowering the public to report unlawful activity is a critical step toward protecting young Queenslanders and supporting compliance efforts. Discover further details on the Bill and Cancer Council Queensland’s submission: https://lnkd.in/gvupZA6B

Cancer Council Queensland’s Next Generation Cancer Research Fellowships are driving the future of cancer innovation. Established in 2023, these fellowships support early career researchers leading the way in cancer prevention, detection, treatment and survivorship – turning bold ideas into life-saving breakthroughs. Through a partnership with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), up to four fellowships are awarded each round, providing vital funding and support for Queensland researchers shaping the next era of cancer care. Learn more about the Next Generation Cancer Research Fellowships: https://lnkd.in/g5PnNBmx

Last weekend, the Gold Coast and South Burnett communities came together for our annual Relay for Life events: walking, running and rolling to support Queenslanders affected by cancer. Participants walked, ran and rolled in relay-style for up to 10 hours, honouring survivors, remembering loved ones, and raising vital funds to ensure no Queenslander faces cancer alone. On the Gold Coast, more than 500 participants raised an incredible $73,507, while in the South Burnett, over 100 attendees helped raise an outstanding $153,383. Funds raised will go directly towards Cancer Council Queensland’s cancer research, prevention initiatives and essential support services. Thank you to every participant, volunteer and supporter who made these events so special. 📸: Lena Judson & Burnett Celtic Pipe and Drums

Every year, around 350 Queenslanders die from skin cancer, yet it’s almost entirely preventable. In Queensland, your skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes, and the longer it’s exposed to UV rays, the greater your risk. That’s why it’s so important to protect your skin and understand your personal risk. Take two minutes to check your risk. Use the Cancer Risk Calculator to see how your daily UV habits stack up: https://lnkd.in/gHTvtMRw

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a vital reminder to prioritise your health and book a breast screen. One in eight Queensland women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but when found early, treatment is often simpler and more successful. If you’re due for a screen, make an appointment through BreastScreen Queensland or talk to your GP about your individual risk. And remember, if you notice any changes, don’t wait. Book your free breast screen today at breastscreen.qld.gov.au

Just one week to go until the Gold Coast and South Burnett gear up for a day of hope, courage and community at the 2025 Relay for Life events. On Saturday, October 11, participants will lace up their shoes and walk, run or roll the baton to raise funds and awareness in support of Queenslanders living with cancer. Gold Coast Relay for Life will be held from 1pm-11pm at Griffith University – Gold Coast Campus, Student Centre Lane, Southport. And South Burnett Relay for Life will be held from 12pm-8pm at Kingaroy Rugby League Grounds, TJ O’Neil Oval, Bunya Highway. Every dollar raised helps fund life-saving cancer research, prevention programs, and support services, ensuring no Queenslander has to go through cancer alone. Donate or register to join: https://lnkd.in/gy8DAPYC

If you need to travel to Townsville to receive cancer treatment, the Gluyas Rotary Lodge offers you a home away from home, at no cost to guests. In a quiet but central part of North Ward, it’s just minutes from Townsville University Hospital, Icon Cancer Centre and Mater Hospital. The lodge provides comfortable, self-contained accommodation with full kitchens, private bathrooms, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and all essential linens and kitchen supplies. Families and carers are welcome in the two-bedroom units, while 18 one-room units are available for individual guests. The lodge also offers on-site facilities including a recreation room with books, DVDs and a pool table, a communal kitchen, outdoor barbecue, shaded patio and large recreation area, perfect for relaxing between treatments. Getting to the lodge is easy, with transfers from Townsville Airport and Railway Station available Monday to Friday (bookings essential), plus taxis, rideshare and public transport options nearby. For more information or to book your stay, visit https://lnkd.in/gwsBPX_f or email [email protected].