Cancer hub fights for survival as it takes $7.5m plea to Canberra

A cancer charity that helped establish oncology services in Cairns now depends entirely on community donations after federal funding was axed eight months ago.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden with Jamie Snashall from Federal Health Minister Mark Butler's office in Canberra last week. COUCH is calling for $7.5 million over five years to help the cancer hub keep up with rising demand.

A cancer hub serving North Queensland has taken its fight for federal funding to Canberra as demand surges 57 per cent in the past 12 months.

Eight months after losing federal funding, Manoora-based COUCH Cancer Hub NQ has shifted from a government‑funded model to one backed by community support and revenue from new GP services.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden went to Canberra recently calling for $7.5 million over five years to help the cancer hub keep up with rising demand.

COUCH Wellness Centre chairman Dr Scott Davis, with retired member Warren Entsch and Leichhardt MP Matt Smith discussing funding options for the care provider. Picture: Supplied

COUCH Chair Professor Scott Davis said core government funding was fundamental to the hub’s future.

“Our results show that we are doing everything we can to run a strong, lean, and effective organisation which delivers quality, affordable and accessible cancer care,” he said.

“But they also underline a simple truth: our ability to care for the community still depends on the support of the community.

“We need the federal government to show us the love in their May budget.”
The hub recently received a $20,000 grant from Commonwealth Bank.

An aerial shot of the COUCH Wellness Centre in Manoora. Picture: Supplied

Across 2024–25, the cancer hub delivered 7328 episodes of care and welcomed 319 new clients.

Overall revenue is up 11 per cent this year, donations have jumped 95 per cent and participation across clinical, allied health, exercise, nutrition and wellbeing programs is up 57 per cent year on year. The hub has also cut costs by 10 per cent.

Founded in 2006 and set to mark its 20th year in 2026, the charity was instrumental in bringing oncology services to Cairns Hospital.

Prof Davis thanked the mayor, local donors, staff, volunteers and partners for helping keep the doors open.

“Our services are backed by research and improve patient outcomes. We’re doing everything we can in our power, but we can do more — we just need help to get there,” he said.

Originally published as Cancer hub fights for survival as it takes $7.5m plea to Canberra