Mark’s wish was to return home to Country Newcastle
On Tuesday, the 26th of May, Ambulance Wish Queensland had the privilege of supporting a deeply meaningful Return to Country wish.
For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, returning to Country is far more than a journey home. It is a connection to family, community, culture, identity and spirit—something that can hold profound significance at the end of life.
We were honoured to have played a small part in helping Mark travel from Rockhampton back to his Country in Newcastle to be surrounded by family. Before the journey began, we were also able to reunite Mark with his daughter, Melanie, bringing her from Newcastle to Rockhampton Hospital so they could be together and travel home safely, side by side.
Witnessing their reunion was a powerful reminder that, at the heart of palliative care, is connection.
We extend our sincere thanks to the First Nations Health Office, Queensland Health, the Rockhampton Hospital Specialist Palliative Care and Cancer Care Services, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health staff, Nursing staff and Doctors and Practitioners (Specialist Palliative Care) from Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service and Queensland Ambulance Service for their collaboration and care in making this wish possible.
Ambulance Wish Queensland is the signature program of Palliative Care Queensland and is proudly supported by the Queensland Government, and we thank the staff and volunteers at both Queensland Health and Queensland Ambulance Service who help our team to fulfil wishes and create memories.
