Cancer patients in Far North Queensland are set to benefit from expanded wellness services after a vital funding boost for a local charity.
Rainforest Retreat Offers Respite from Cancer Journey
The COUCH (Cairns Organisation United for Cancer Health) Cancer Hub NQ, a wellness facility in Cairns, has secured a $20,000 CommBank Community Grant. This funding will allow the organisation to reach more people across the region with workshops, gym access, and crucial support programs.
At the heart of the Hub is a unique cafe nestled in the rainforest, run by volunteers. It serves as a gathering place where individuals undergoing cancer treatment can connect, share stories over coffee, play board games, and briefly step away from the identity of being a patient.
"It is a gathering place for people who sometimes feel like they are not 'normal' after a cancer diagnosis," said COUCH Partnerships and Marketing Manager Jennifer Spilsbury. "They are enjoying bonding with other people and not talking about cancer, just having a coffee and playing games and having a chat. It makes for an amazing social connection."
From Advocacy to a Holistic Haven
The COUCH story began nearly two decades ago, driven by local tourism figures Charles and Pip Woodward. They initially campaigned successfully to bring oncology services to Cairns Hospital, sparing patients arduous trips to Townsville or Brisbane.
Following that victory, their focus shifted to holistic care. The resulting wellness retreat now provides a suite of therapies including:
- Exercise physiology and physiotherapy
- Lymphoedema massage
- Breathing classes and meditation
- Nutrition and music therapy workshops
The new grant is particularly critical as federal funding through the NQ Primary Health Network program ceased in March 2026. "Now we are completely reliant on the community," Ms Spilsbury explained, highlighting the importance of grants like CommBank's.
Grant to Fund Packages and Raise Awareness
The $20,000 injection will be used to deliver 50 heavily discounted four-week wellness packages to make services more accessible. It will also fund a program to raise awareness about the Hub's offerings throughout Northern Queensland.
Nathan Barker, Executive Manager of Community Investment at CommBank, said the bank was proud to support COUCH. "COUCH is doing amazing work to make a real difference and our grants are designed to make sure that impact extends further," Mr Barker stated. "We are really proud here at CommBank to play a part and make sure these vital services are able to receive continued support."
The CommBank Community Grants program is delivered through the bank's Staff Foundation, allowing employees to nominate meaningful community organisations for funding. The bank matches staff donations, enabling support for a wide range of grassroots initiatives across Australia.
