Hoist Ya Boss: $54k raised for Fitzroy Community Hospice

Ten Central Qld bosses were raised high in a crane last week to raise money for the first hospice in the region. SEE THE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

Central Queensland bosses were lifted high in the windy, cool air on Friday morning in a fundraising event to raise money for the region’s first hospice.

Construction is already underway for the Fitzroy Community Hospice on Agnes Street, Rockhampton with money needed for the ongoing management of the facility.

Ten bosses took part in the inaugural Hoist Ya Boss event in the car park of Thomo’s Betta Home Living on Yaamba Rd.

First cabs off the rank were Marni McGrath of Evans Edwards Accountants and Angie Zahra from Stanwell Corporation.

Robert Rooney and Todd Brandon before the crane bucket was lifted 20 metres in the air.

Robert Rooney of Swanwick Murray Roche and Todd Brandon from The Agency CQ went next, followed by Justin Stewart of The Capricornian and Robin Adams of CocoBrew and then Rockhampton region councillor Donna Kirkland and Erna Allison of Mater Private Hospital.

The last team to go up high were Simon Weigh of Ian Weigh Toyota and Dale Walters of Milne Bros.

The crane bucket, supplied kindly by CQ Crane Hire, was raised more than 20 metres in the air and bosses stayed up there for half an hour, while they made phone calls to get donations before they could come down.

Donna Kirkland and Erna Allison getting ready to go high in the air.

Event sponsors also included Triple M and Made Known graphic design.

Justin Stewart said he wanted to “kiss the ground” when the bucket landed back on land.

He said the facility was something very close to his heart.

“A very special friend of mine passed away last year and this would be such a good thing for her to have been a part of towards the end of her life,” he said.

Robin Adams and Justin Stewart from high up in the air.

While self-confessed as “petrified” of heights, Robin Adams said it was a great cause.

“Going up there was okay, it was the wind blowing that kept turning it around … not great,” he said.

On Monday morning, the event had so far raised $54,467, just surpassing the $50,000 goal.

Robin Adams and Justin Stewart after they came down from the crane.

The community-based end-of-life care facility will be the first service available in the state north of Hervey Bay.

“Lack of palliative care services in our community means that many families in Central Queensland are not receiving the support they need during one of life’s most challenging times,” Fitzroy Community Hospice Board chair Dr Vicki Richmond said.

“To operate the Fitzroy Community Hospice will require the support of the community and local business partners.

“All money raised will stay within the local community and be used to benefit the local community.”

Korin Jensen, Mark Thompson and Tamara Schillaci of Fitzroy Community Hospice.

National firm Paynters was awarded the tender for the construction of the facility and began work in January.

Demolition, excavation and underground services have been completed and work is now underway on footings, retaining walls and renovations of the retained buildings.

“This project is a significant milestone for the region, and Paynters have displayed a willingness to listen and understand the unique requirements of the facility,” Dr Richmond said.

“As a charitable organisation that strives to support local families, working with a building partner who values inclusion and excellence, as we do, is important to us.

“Paynters have a solid reputation for delivering large high-quality construction projects throughout Central Queensland, and a commitment has been made to appoint local workers and suppliers as much as possible.

The 12-bed licensed health facility has received $8 million in funding from the Federal Government towards construction but more than $2.5 million will need to be raised through community fundraising for costs of land, room fit-out, equipment, furniture and operation.

The first rooms are expected to be open in early 2024.

Originally published as Hoist Ya Boss: $54k raised for Fitzroy Community Hospice