Almost $6,000 has been raised so far through a GoFundMe campaign to support Katie Rose Cottage Hospice, as the Noosa-based end-of-life care provider battles significant funding shortfalls and mounting operational pressures.
The hospice, which provides compassionate palliative care both in-house and through in-home nursing support across the Sunshine Coast, recently announced it had temporarily suspended patient admissions due to financial constraints.
Katie Rose Cottage Hospice operates under a mixed funding model, with Queensland Government funding covering only about one third of its nursing costs. The remaining expenses must be met through community donations, fundraising activities, and revenue from its op shops and warehouse sales.
Over the six months to 31 December 2025, the hospice experienced a sharp decline in donations, significantly affecting its financial sustainability. At the same time, previously anticipated increases in state funding linked to its planned Stage Two development will not proceed.
Compounding the situation, revised Federal Government timelines have brought forward the completion deadline for Stage Two works to 31 March 2026, making it unlikely the expansion can proceed under the new timeframe.
In a recent statement, the hospice said admissions have been paused to ensure that when care is delivered, it can be provided safely, sustainably and to the standard the community expects.
“Every day, our nurses and support teams walk alongside individuals and families during one of life’s most difficult journeys, providing comfort, dignity and care,” the hospice said. “But without urgent financial support, we may not be able to continue.”
The GoFundMe page has been created as an ongoing fundraiser, allowing community members to donate in honour or memory of loved ones, share the hospice’s story, and help secure the future of local end-of-life care.
Funds raised will go directly towards retaining experienced palliative care nurses, delivering hospice and in-home services, covering essential operational costs, and ensuring the facility is ready to resume admissions when funding permits.
The hospice board and leadership team say they remain committed to transparency and responsible stewardship of all funds raised, and are continuing to explore options to stabilise funding.
Residents who are unable to donate are encouraged to share the fundraising page to help spread the word and support the service during what it describes as one of the most challenging periods in its history.
