Help hits new heights for Fitzroy Community Hospice
The fear-factor was real but the feel-good factor won the day, as brave Central Queenslanders raised funds for the Fitzroy Community Hospice.
CQUniversity Associate Vice President (Rockhampton Region) Kim Harrington was among 12 local leaders in the 2026 Hoist for the Hospice, which raised $76,031.57 to help fund the free specialist palliative care and bereavement support service.
The participants were sponsored to spend 15 minutes in a work box in the clouds, courtesy of a 20-metre crane lift by CQ Crane Hire – and needed to raise a minimum $5000 to be allowed back down.
Facing her “full-on fear of heights” at the Gracemere Livestock Exchange event on Wednesday 13 May, Ms Harrington said the was cause important to her, and the region.
“The Hospice provides amazing fee-free service to the residents of Central Queensland, and chances are a family member or someone we know will at some stage use its vital support and care,” she said.
“Doing the hoist was well outside my comfort zone, but focusing on the generous donors really did get me through – and it’s really encouraging to know that every dollar raised stays local, and helps locals.”
Operating in The Range since 2024, the Fitzroy Community Hospice is the region’s only hospice, with 12 beds to ensure locals can access respectful care at the end of life, to allow them to die with peace, dignity and choice.
The Hospice has cared for 370 patients since June 2024, and also supports families as they care for and grieve a loved one.
Fitzroy Community Hospice board members include CQU Diploma of Nursing Course Coordinator Allison Leech, and CQU Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Director of Finance Trish Clifford.
Ms Harrington thanked her supporters at CQU, and in the broader community, for getting her through the challenge.
“It was a windy day, and at about 11 minutes in I was feeling like I could vomit… but I did the 15 minutes because I felt privileged and proud of people backing me, and collectively, sponsoring more than $10,000 for a great local cause,” she said.
Learn more about the Fitzroy Community Hospice, and support the not-for-profit at their Ways to Give page.
