When a community comes together, extraordinary moments of compassion, care and connection become possible
Use content from prospectus – graph, table, QLD state
Steven “Fred’s” wish was to attend the Gatton Races
Former horse owner, breeder and trainer for over 30 years, Steven (lovingly known as “Fred”), wished for a day out at the races with his family and friends. He was joined by his wife Carol, sons Daniel and Jake, close family friends and stable mates to enjoy a day watching horses thunder down the track.
Valma’s wish was to return to her childhood home
To return to her childhood home that had been in the family for over 5 generations, was what Valma had been wishing for the most. Sitting out on her favourite spot on the property, reliving fond memories spanning over decades, Valma was joined by her two granddaughters, Jasmine and Candice.
Malcolm’s wish was to have a picnic at Kirra Beach
Malcolm’s wish was to have a picnic at Kirra Beach, famous as one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic surfing spots and a place where he and his family had holidayed often. Joined by his wife Susan, children Brenden and Corrine, daughter-in-law Dom and grandson Carter, Malcolm was able to reminisce over his younger days as a Surf Lifesaver.
Inspired by two Hervey Bay paramedics who took a patient to her favourite beach, Ambulance Wish Queensland (AWQ) launched in July 2019 as the first program of its kind in Australia. It was based on the Dutch charity Stichting Ambulance Wens. Gold Coast local Anne-Marie Dykstra discovered the program online and, with Palliative Care Queensland CEO Shyla Mills and State Council member Carol Hope, helped bring it to Queensland. With support from then-Health Minister Dr Steven Miles, who provided a decommissioned ambulance and seed funding, AWQ officially launched at Parliament House. The first wish, for Brisbane patient Betty, was a simple outing to enjoy passionfruit ice cream and the botanic gardens.
To die with dignity is something we can give counsel on. We work with organisations and services to provide them with the knowledge and resources they need to achieve best practice in palliative care.
Our consultancy offerings encompass training, system reviews, co-design workshops, community conversation events, death audits, quality improvement suggestions and care strategy recommendations.
If there’s anything you need help with or simply need a chat about something you’ve read, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Ambulance Wish Queensland Acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and seas on which we live and work; and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to all Elders past and present.
Ambulance Wish Queensland respects and values diverse life challenges, creating an environment that is inclusive of all.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains images, voices and names of deceased persons.
“Different Stages”, a powerful visual story unique to Palliative Care Queensland, represents the stories of our lives being retold through families and communities sitting around yarning.
The footprints we leave behind are represented in the dots, while the stories of our lives being retold is depicted through the community sitting around the yarning circle. Both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders motifs and colours are used.
We are proud to display the artwork in our office spaces and resources, as well as incorporated into our Reconciliation Action Plan.
