Senator Pauline Hanson secures $8 million for Rockhampton hospice

The funding will green-light the shovel-ready Fitzroy Community Hospice project in South Rockhampton, which was given the tick of approval from council.

Senator Pauline Hanson has secured $8 million dollars of federal funding for the first regional hospice in Queensland to be built in Rockhampton.

The funding will green-light the shovel-ready Fitzroy Community Hospice project on Agnes Street, The Range, which was given the tick of approval from Rockhampton Regional Council earlier in August.

At a cost of $11.5 million dollars, the facility would offer end-of-life comfort for people who didn’t want to die at home.

It would be the first regional hospice in the state as all eight Queensland hospices are all in the southeast corner.

Senator Hanson said, until her discussions with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, there had been no representation by local members of parliament to fund the facility, which was announced in March.

The convent site on Agnes Street, The Range, that will be transformed into the hospice. Picture: Contributed

“I’m pleased to announce that I have been successful in my pursuit of the $8 million dollars that will provide a 12-bed facility for all Central Queensland residents,” she said.

“It’s something I’ve been through with my own parents and it’s for this reason I’ve pushed so hard for this money.

“I first met the proponents at Beef Week this year and it was after that discussion that I made it my number one priority.

“I know from first-hand experience that feeling of despair and inadequacy when both of my parents were in their final weeks of life. I was fortunate that they had the professional help of hospice staff which took so much pressure off me and my siblings.

The Fitzroy Community Hospice Board: Vicki Richmond, Joanne Bell, Mark Thompson, Steve Richards, Debra Richards, John Martyn, and Paula Ryan. Wade Mann is also on the board. Picture: Contributed

“This money means Central Queensland families will finally have the same facilities as southeast Queensland families.”

The One Nation leader credited the hard work of Steve and Debra Richards who first outlined the project.

“I’m especially proud of Steve and Debra, but I’m also aware of the entire team of nine behind the masterplan that helped me win the support of the Treasurer,” Senator Hanson said.

“Over the past five years, I’ve fought for regional projects that are of benefit to the Central Queensland community and offer true value for money.

“As always, I’m constantly working on other projects for the region, and I’m hoping to make some additional big announcements over the coming weeks.”