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I 24 February 2026
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Katie Rose Cottage Hospice: community call to continue care BY SARAH JANE SCOTT KATIE Rose Cottage Hospice, a cornerstone of communitybased palliative care in the Noosa hinterland, has temporarily paused inpatient admissions as it grapples with mounting financial pressure and funding uncertainty. Chair of the board and treasurer Les Godwin FCPA [Fellow Certified Practising Accountant] said the pause was a difficult but necessary step. “The temporary pause to inpatient admissions means that, at present, patients who would otherwise have been admitted to the hospice are
being supported to remain at home, where possible, through our outreach nursing services,” he said. “While inpatient care is central to our mission, outreach support continues to ensure individuals and families are not left without professional palliative care.” Operating since 2016, Katie Rose Cottage Hospice relies heavily on community goodwill to provide specialist end-of-life care. Queensland Government funding currently covers only about onethird of nursing costs. “Like other community-based palliative care hospices in Queensland, Katie
Rose Cottage Hospice relies on a combination of government funding, community donations, fundraising and bequests,” Les said. “Government funding does not fully cover the cost of specialist palliative nursing care, which makes sustainability challenging and requires ongoing community support.” He said bequests, while important, were unpredictable and made long-term budgeting difficult. Financial strain has intensified over the past six months, with a noticeable decline in donations. “The decline in donations reflects
broader economic pressures being experienced across the community,” Les said. “Any reduction in donations has a direct impact on the hospice’s ability to fund services and maintain operations at previous levels.” Katie Rose’s three op shops (including the one in Cooroy) remain a vital lifeline, generating about $150,000 a year in net proceeds after wages and operating costs. While modest in the context of overall funding needs, Les said they were both reliable and symbolic. “The op shops also play an important role in maintaining the hospice’s
visibility and connection with the community,” he said. Meanwhile, uncertainty also surrounds Stage Two of the hospice’s redevelopment. Construction activities commenced in January 2026, with elements of Stage Two incorporated into Stage One works following a revised federal project deadline. However, delivery of an additional inpatient room is not yet funded. “Completion of that room will depend on securing further capital funding, including the opportunity to apply for future federal grants,” Les said. Continued page 2
Celebrating 25 Years of Noosa Country Style & Proudly Serving the Hinterland for 36 Years Our longevity is built on relationships, local expertise, and a deep love for this region. As we honour these milestones, we look forward to continuing to showcase the homes and lifestyle that make the Noosa Hinterland truly special.
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Discover what 36 years of local experience can do for your property. 07 5447 7000, 30 MAPLE STREET, COOROY 07 5449 1186, 777 EUMUNDI NOOSA ROAD, DOONAN HINTERNOOSA.COM.AU
Cooroy Rag, 24 February 2026 - Page 1