Compassion and Community: Queenslanders helping Queenslanders.

A beautiful night that celebrated the stories at the heart of Ambulance Wish Queensland (AWQ) – the wishes, connections and life perspectives of people in our communities.

Held at Hillstone St Lucia’s Grandview Room, the evening brought together more than 290 guests united by a shared commitment to helping create meaningful final wishes for Queenslanders facing the end of life.

Ambulance Wish Queensland has hit many milestones in 2026, and this fundraiser was no different, as the most successful event for the program to date, raising an incredible $61,000!

For Palliative Care Queensland CEO Louise O’Neill, the evening reflected the generosity that continues to drive the program forward. “What makes Ambulance Wish Queensland so special is the community that stands behind it.”

“Every person in the room will now have played a role in helping create moments of joy, comfort and connection for Queenslanders at the end of life. The support shown at this event will help ensure more people can experience a final wish surrounded by the people and places that matter most to them.”

“While we cannot change a diagnosis, we can help change what someone’s final chapter feels like.”

“Together, we can help create moments that matter.”

Throughout the night, guests heard about wishes that captured the heart of Ambulance Wish Queensland, stories of love, dignity, family and the profound impact a single wish can have for a person and those around them.

MC Craig Zonca helped bring Chris’s wish to life through a special panel discussion featuring Hillstone’s Chef Nacho, Chris’s niece Jessica and volunteer Dale. Nacho shared his role in preparing a restaurant-quality meal for Chris to enjoy at home, while Jessica reflected on what the experience meant to her family, and Dale offered her perspective as a volunteer who helped make the wish possible.

The night ended with everyone on the dance floor enjoying Radio Club Band and at the Photobooth from Beat Connections.

Thank you to all our prize donors and Jewels for Generosity for contributing items through the Ezy Bid platform, helping make our raffle prizes, silent, live auctions a great success. The Jewellery Fun Box is always a crowd pleaser with one lucky winner taking home a diamond necklace on the night!

A highlight of this year’s fundraiser was a live painting created by artist Josh Wright, which was later raffled to attendees. Inspired by his two younger sisters and his family’s own experience with an end-of-life journey, this piece was an incredibly meaningful contribution and a heartfelt reflection of the love, connection and legacy at the heart of Ambulance Wish Queensland.

The success of the evening was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. We are grateful for the support from Gold Sponsor, Australian Paramedics Association Queensland, and Bronze Sponsors Regis Aged Care and Yellow Falcon and our event program sponsor Digital Synergy.

We also recognise the incredible support of foundation sponsors Mingary Care and GQS, vehicle sponsors Gatton Auto and KGM and the ongoing support of Queensland Ambulance Service and Qld Health.

To keep our wishes growing we welcome new sponsors, donors and supporters to come forward and join us at Ambulance Wish Queensland.