Get involved and help Queenslanders living with cancer by volunteering. Volunteers are the heart of our organisation. Join us to make a greater impact and connect with like-minded people.
Every contribution helps support those living with cancer. Whether a one-off donation or monthly gift, your support ensures funding stability for long-term goals and future generations.
Leave a legacy by including a gift in your Will, starting a tribute page for a loved one, or funding a research grant for early-career cancer researchers driving clinical innovations.
Organise a fundraising event in your community, either as a team or an individual. You can join one of our existing fundraising events or you might like to come up with your own way.
When organisations work together, we can have a greater impact for every Queenslander going through cancer and help amplify our message for all Australians.
However you get involved, you’re making a direct impact on the lives of Queenslanders affected by cancer. See the results of what we’ve all achieved.
Make a tax-deductible donation and provide support to Queensland families
This means when you give to support local cancer research, prevention and early detection programs, and vital cancer support services, you also receive a benefit.
Donating lowers your taxable income
When you claim a donation to Cancer Council Queensland on your tax return, it lowers your taxable income.
For example, if you earn $200,000 per year and donate $5,000 to Cancer Council Queensland, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) assesses your taxable income as $195,000 instead of $200,000.
This translates to real tax benefits
How much you save depends on your marginal tax rate.
If your marginal tax rate is 37%
You’ll save $370 on your return when you donate $1,000
You’ll save $1850 on your return when you donate $5,000
You’ll save $3700 on your return when you donate $10,000
If your marginal tax rate is 45%
You’ll save $450 on your return when you donate $1,000 You’ll save $2250 on your return when you donate $5,000You’ll save $4500 on your return when you donate $10,000
Note: These are examples only. Your individual tax outcome may differ – please seek independent financial advice.
1. Donate before June 30
To claim the deduction this financial year, make your donation before midnight on 30 June.
2. Keep your receipt!
We’ll send you a tax receipt as soon as your donation is complete.
3. Claim your deduction when you lodge your tax return
Add your donation amount under the ‘Gifts or donations’ section when you complete your 2025 tax return.
Your gift will make a real difference – and now is the perfect time of year to give and receive the tax benefits of your donation.
Make a tax-deductible donation and provide support to Queensland families like Kara’s
When Terri Grosser first noticed a changing mole on her thigh, she booked a check-up with her GP. She was 35 at the time, juggling life as a young mum with three children, and living in Charters Towers in Central Queensland. Her initial diagnosis of stage 3 melanoma would turn her family’s world upside down.
Over the years that followed, Terri went through more than 10 surgeries. Her family felt incredibly supported by their network in Mt Isa, and her openness about her diagnosis brought the community together – they organised a nightly “meal train”, supported the family emotionally and financially, and offered hands-on help.
Her sister, Kara Thompson, remembers it all vividly.
“The amount of financial, emotional and physical support throughout Terri’s journey was amazing…every night at 6 o’clock someone would rock up with a beautiful meal,” Kara said.
“But that’s what this community is like…I think sometimes when you’re in such a remote location, not everyone is blessed to have family here, so people make their friends and community their family.”
“It’s the kind of place where if there’s a problem or someone’s having an issue in town, people just band together and help.”
The local cancer care unit with its dedicated nurses helped Terri continue treatment close to home, and telehealth brought some appointments within reach. But major appointments – including scans and oncology consults – still meant flying nearly 2,000km to Brisbane.
Terri surrounded by her family during treatment.
“The preparation involved with each trip was huge,” Kara said. “Flights, accommodation, food, taxis – it just adds up.”
“There was always the recovery after surgery and the feeling of “Did they get all the cancer?”
“And it was tricky because with kids at that age, they don’t understand. They want mummy to keep doing everything. We tried to keep everything normal for the kids.”
“Then there were the side effects from the medication. She was having to still be mum and a wife, and a friend, but when you’re exhausted and have a terminal diagnosis, it’s tough.”
Terri sadly passed away in 2024 after living with cancer for eight years, but her legacy lives on – not only in her three children, but in the countless people who were moved by her story to make time to book in for a skin screening.“If anyone could get anything out of my story, it’s please get your skin checked,” Terri told the ABC in 2021. “You need to get it checked every year, and if anything on your skin changes.”That message, delivered from the heart, continues to ripple through the community.“We still hear stories of people who got checked because of her,” Kara said. “They’d come up and say, ‘We found something early. She saved our life.’”Kara remembers her sister as endlessly positive, even while going through treatment.“She was just the most beautiful person,” Kara said. “She wanted her kids to know she was more than what happened to her.”
Terri Grosser at Christmas with her family
Now, her family continues the work Terri started – urging others to prioritise skin checks and protect themselves from the sun, and advocating for better access to care in regional areas.
“We spread the message far and wide about people getting their skin checked.”
Kara Thompson with her children, and her niece and nephews.
“We’re always onto all the kids about sun safety, sunscreen and hats,” Kara said.
“Sometimes, they’ll be like ‘Oh no, again?’, but they know why it’s so important.”
Make a tax-time donation and make a difference for Queensland families like Kara’s
Staffed by qualified nurses and health professionals, the service is available 7 days a week from 7am to 7pm.
Despite what you might think, palliative care isn’t just about end-of-life care, so what is palliative care? Palliative care is specialised medical care for anyone living with a life-limiting illness or terminal illness, such as advanced cancer. The main goal is to improve a person’s quality of life by relieving pain and reducing emotional, physical, social, and spiritual suffering.Palliative care is all about meeting the unique needs of people going through cancer their families, helping people live as fully and comfortably as possible. It’s tailored to each individual and supports both the person and their loved ones throughout the illness journey.Your dedicated palliative care team works closely with you to identify and address your unique needs. Support can include:
Early referral to palliative care services can often enhance and even extend a person’s life, ensuring better overall palliative support and outcomes.
While end-of-life care is an important part of palliative care, it typically refers to the final weeks of life when needs—both for the individual and their carers—are highest. This care extends to include bereavement support for families and loved ones after death.
If you or someone you love needs palliative care, PalAssist is here to help. PalAssist is a free and confidential support service for anyone dealing with a life-limiting illness.
Staffed by qualified nurses and health professionals, the service is available 7 days a week from 7am to 7pm, providing:
To speak with someone who understands, contact PalAssist and get the help you need today.
Contributions go towards world-class research, prevention programs and support service.
For a long time, Jacqueline Brown didn’t know she had ovarian cancer.
When she first noticed abdominal pain and changes in her bowel movements, she was sent to get a stool test. At the time, Jackie was feeling fit, playing golf and going to the gym. When the test came back negative, her doctor told her to persevere and improve her diet. She did, and the symptoms subsided for a while. Then, when the pain in her pelvic area came back, Jackie was diagnosed with diverticulitis – a type of inflammation in the colon. Her symptoms continued to worsen, despite an ultrasound showing nothing out of the ordinary. It was only when she got a CAT scan that Jackie was finally diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer.
“Throughout my life, I believed I wouldn’t get cancer because I was fit and healthy and no other members of my family have had cancer. My mother lived to 100 and just died of old age. It didn’t even enter my mind that I might have cancer. It was only discovered through a process of elimination. I had no early symptoms, other than abdominal pain.”
In early 2023, Jackie began intensive treatment. She had chemotherapy for three months, a PET scan, followed by surgery. A malfunction in BRCA 1 gene was identified post-surgery and she proceeded with three more months of chemo.Jackie’s husband Bob was by her side for the entire journey; cooking, cleaning, washing her clothes, taking her to hospital, and learning as much as he could about ovarian cancer.“He was present for every chemotherapy. He took care of me when I fell ill, which happened a lot. He complimented me as I lose weight and my hair – I lost 6kg during chemotherapy. I had diarrhoea and everything I ate went straight through me. Bob read Cancer Council Queensland booklets, learning everything he could about my treatment and emotions and how to deal with cancer if you’re a close relative. And he stayed positive about my outcome.”
The oncology team at Townsville’s Icon Centre connected Jackie with self-care programs, allied health services, and a Facebook group for women in North Queensland going through ovarian cancer. They also helped Jackie access genetics testing, which showed her cancer was somatic, not genetic, allaying her fears that other women in her family could be at risk. Jackie, who says she feels as though she’s had the “best treatment and the best support that’s available”, now spends her time supporting other women navigating ovarian cancer.
“I host a ‘Teal Tea’ and I will be doing Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. It’s important to do that, because the money raised goes to research and helping others who have cancer.”Jackie is a fierce advocate for ovarian cancer research, especially when it comes to finding better ways to diagnose the disease earlier.
“Unlike breast cancer, which has early detection through the mammogram program, ovarian cancer does not have screening. Fewer than half of women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive for five years, and the earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome.”Cancer Council Queensland’s Next Generation Research Fellowship recipient Dr. Mostafa Kamal Masud, from The University of Queensland is conducting research focused on the early diagnosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer through a portable and automated diagnostic device. This device, which utilises nanoengineered structures, aims to significantly impact ovarian cancer detection, treatment and monitoring.When you donate to Cancer Council Queensland, you’re funding local research on a global scale and having a real impact in the lives of Queenslanders living with cancer.
When someone’s diagnosed with cancer, we all want to do everything we can to listen and help. However, one of the greatest sources of stress is often the hardest to talk about and can fly under the radar: the financial burden that comes with a cancer diagnosis. To support Queenslanders and their families, we’ve recently launched a free Financial Counselling Service. We sat down with Kylee, a Financial Counsellor at Cancer Council Queensland, to learn more about the program.
Families often experience a loss of income, as people may need to take time off work for treatment or caregiving responsibilities. The costs of cancer treatment – such as hospital bills, medications, and specialist consultations – are sometimes not covered, and can quickly add up. And then there’s things like home care and travelling for medical appointments. The strain can be even greater for those living in rural or regional areas. Navigating insurance claims, understanding eligibility for government financial assistance, and managing mounting debts can also add to the stress.
Our role is to help families address these financial burdens, find the support available, and ensure they can focus on their care without the overwhelming worry about money.
Financial Counsellors complete a Diploma in Financial Counselling, which equips them with the specialised knowledge and skills needed to support people facing financial hardship – particularly when faced with situations like cancer. Our Financial Counsellors also hold registrations with Financial Counsellors’ Association Queensland.
Queenslanders should call 13 11 20. Our appointments are available by phone or video conferencing, Monday to Friday. We also offer face-to-face appointments at our Brisbane office. The service is free to all Queenslanders over the age of 18 who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
At Cancer Council Queensland we can also provide direct financial assistance in the form of fuel and grocery vouchers for eligible Queenslanders who are undergoing cancer treatment.
Research shows getting plenty of fibre in your diet can help protect against colorectal cancers. This delicious recipe is packed with veg and is a tasty way to boost your fibre intake. Serves eight people (or four hungry people!)
Give this recipe a go when hosting an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea – it’s sure to be a hit! Register to host today
This recipe is an extract from In Praise of Veg by Alice Zaslavsky. Photography by Ben Dearnley.
Australian research shows approximately 1 in 3 cancer cases can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices like drinking less alcohol, quitting smoking and using sun protection. By adopting these six key lifestyle behaviours, you can help reduce your cancer risk and improve early detection.
Be smoke free The best thing you can do for your health is to not smoke or vape. Help is available by calling Quitline on 13 78 48. Use sun protection Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide when UV levels are 3 or above. Be physically active Try and get movement in every day. Eat a healthy diet The evidence is clear: more fruit, vegetables and fibre, less red meat and avoid processed meats. Limit alcohol When it comes to cancer, unfortunately there’s no “safe level” of alcohol consumption – do your best to limit your alcohol consumption. Know what’s normal for you, and take part in screening Early detection saves lives, so know your body, see your doctor if you notice any unusual changes, and participate in the National Cancer Screening Programs.
Smoking – 10% of Queensland adults are daily smokers
Sun protection – 49% of Queenslanders were sunburnt in the last year
Being physically active – National guidelines recommend a minimum of 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity per week, or 1 hour 15 minutes of intense physical activity per week. 24% of Queenslanders 15 years and older meet the national guidelines.
Eating a healthy diet – National guidelines recommend we have at least 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables a day. Only 4% of us meet the national guidelines for fruit and veggie consumption.
Limiting alcohol – It’s recommended we drink no more than 4 standard drinks a day, or 10 standard drinks a week. However, 37% of us currently drink more than the national guidelines.
Participation in cancer screening – In Australia, there are three national cancer screening programs. 38% of eligible Queenslanders have taken part in bowel cancer screening. 52% of eligible Queenslanders have taken part in breast cancer screening (through BreastScreen Queensland), and 56% of eligible Queenslanders have taken part in cervical cancer screening. That’s still a lot of Queenslanders due for a screening! If you’re overdue, book in today.
See how you’re doing!
Try out our free Cancer Risk Calculator
Data from the latest Report of the Chief Health Officer Queensland, Australian Bureau of Statistics and Cancer Council Queensland researchers.
Every year, many children across the state will be touched by the cancer diagnosis of someone they care about. Together with Queensland Health, we recently launched a new story, When Mitzy the Foggle Got Cancer, to help caregivers and healthcare professionals start important conversations about cancer with children in an age-appropriate way. The story was specially designed by psychologist Joanna Mangan. Joanna worked with families going through cancer for many years as one of our psychologists here at Cancer Council Queensland. Kara’s story Local politician Kara Cook says “I’ve had three melanomas in my lifetime so far and am regularly checked for cancer every three to four months. I have three children myself, so I’m explaining to my kids my cancer experience every time I need to get checked or have minor procedures” “Having these conversations around cancer can be really challenging for parents and for families. We all want to protect our kids. So having a resource like this book is just invaluable.’ “In the story, Squish the Foggle travels the journey with Mitzy, and changes colours depending on how they’re feeling. So sometimes they might be feeling sad, or happy, or questioning. I think those emotions are the emotions every child and every family travels throughout that cancer journey.”
Tips for parents, grandparents and carers when it comes to explaining a cancer diagnosis to children.
First, find out what they already know – It can be helpful to start by finding out what a child has heard, noticed, or started to imagine about cancer. This gives you a chance to correct any misunderstandings and address any worries. Try to use real words – like ‘cancer’ to avoid creating confusion. Be truthful and hopeful – Let them know a medical team is working very hard to help the person diagnosed with cancer. Encourage questions – In the story, Squish has a lot of questions. You could encourage them to ask as many questions as they like, too. Share with the child what you do know and be honest when you don’t have all the answers. Reassure them – Let them know there will always be someone looking after them, no matter what. Make them feel included - It can also be a good idea to include children in caring for someone living with cancer in small ways – children can do little things like bringing a snack, getting the person a glass of water, or giving them a blanket, and this helps them to feel like they are helping, too.
Order your free copy of the book or watch the animation today.
At Cancer Council Queensland, we recently farewelled Andrew Donne, who leaves behind an incredible legacy as CEO. Throughout our 60-year history, we have remained dedicated to supporting Queenslanders affected by cancer, and thanks to Andrew’s vision and the unwavering support of our community, we are now making a greater impact than ever before.
We now welcome Matt Gardiner who has been appointed as the new Cancer Council Queensland CEO.
With over 15 years’ experience as a senior leader in the not-for-profit sector, Matt brings both passion and purpose to his work. Driven by a deep, personal commitment to social justice and equity, he is dedicated to ensuring every Queenslander impacted by cancer, has a strong advocate by their side.
Matt Gardiner’s passion for community service began at a young age, with some of his earliest memories involve volunteering with his parents in the community.
“I still vividly remember spending time with Mum volunteering at the Sporting Wheelies, the Queensland sporting association for wheelchair users” he says.
However, Matt didn’t always imagine himself working in the not-for-profit sector.
“At school, I wanted to be a psychologist or a carpenter!”
“My undergraduate degree in psychology ultimately led me to work in behavioural interventions in education and child protection, and then counselling work in various areas. I’ve run medical practices, and clinical mental health, accommodation, domestic violence, child protection and clinical disability services.”
“More recently, I was CEO of 54 Reasons, where we delivered tangible support on the ground as part of Save the Children Australia”
As a former counsellor, Matt is deeply passionate about enhancing people’s wellbeing, with a strong focus on psychological and emotional health.
“I’m aware of the incredible privilege we have here at Cancer Council Queensland in partnering with people during such a pivotal time in their lives.”
“Cancer Council Queensland also has a vital role in advocating for equitable access to prevention, treatment, and care.’
‘Many Queenslanders face significant barriers, and we have a responsibility to continue to address this and make sure no one is left behind.”
With Matt now at the helm, Cancer Council Queensland enters a new chapter – one built on compassion, advocacy and a steadfast commitment to every Queenslander impacted by cancer. Driven by the belief nobody should face cancer alone, Matt’s leadership will help break down barriers to better cancer care and support, and push for greater equity, whilst we continue to conduct life-saving research.
To people volunteering, donating or fundraising for Cancer Council Queensland, Matt makes this promise: “We will never take you for granted. You have my personal commitment to be accountable to you.”
Learn more about our leadership and governance
If you’ve been run off your feet all week, a Girls’ Night In movie night – complete with a pile of blankets, snacks and your besties – is the only answer.
So, call up your friends, get your snacks in order and spend a night in. You can donate what you would have spent on a night out, to vital work in prevention, education and research into women’s cancers.
You don’t even have to stress about choosing what to watch…we’ve rounded up 30 flicks that practically require you to view them in the presence of your favourite gal pals.
From love stories to hilarious flicks, these movies will help you ease into the weekend—with your BFFs by your side. Plus, you’ve likely seen them before, so you can catch up on what’s been happening in each other’s lives without worrying about missing plot clues.
My Best Friend’s Wedding
The unrequited love and heartbreak tugs at your heart strings.
27 Dresses
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride – so relatable. This is the perfect movie to get in the mood if you’ve got a big wedding season ahead.
The Notebook
This might be the most romantic movie of all time. The love triangle. The old couple reminiscing. Make sure to have some tissues on hand
Dear John
Again with the tears. Who doesn’t love a chick flick with Channing Tatum?
Love Actually
Nothing really needs to be said here…apart from, why wait until Christmas to watch this gem?!
Bridesmaids
What goes better together than love and comedy? Everyone wants to be the maid of honour.
Clueless
As if! Get into 90s nostalgia with Cher and her friends, who have the ridiculous outfits and hilarious one-liners to lift your mood.
The Devil Wears Prada
Need a little motivation to follow your dreams? New jobs are always interesting…and the fashion alone makes this movie worth a watch.
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants
There is nothing more awesome than watching four best friends going on adventures and generally being there for each other.
Ever After
We all love a movie that ends with happily ever after.
Crazy Stupid Love
Divorce, new relationships, Ryan Gosling – it has it all!
Pitch Perfect
From the singing to the non-stop jokes, this is one flick you can’t watch too many times. You could even have a Lip Sync Battle to the songs!
Dirty Dancing
Who wouldn’t want to spend summer at a resort with a gorgeous dance instructor?
Mean Girls
Some of the mean girl moments are out of control, but it’s the only flick that includes “mathletes”, puking on a crush, and a person getting hit by a bus and still making it to prom.
Legally Blonde
Sure, a bit ditzy – but #girlpower. You can’t beat a plot line focused on a woman smashing everyone’s expectations.
10 Things I Hate About You
Based on Shakepeare’s ‘Taming of the Shrew’ and featuring Heath Ledger, this movie is sweet, funny and “just too good to be true”.
Friends with Benefits
Attractive actors, a typical romcom story line and a happy, sappy ending. The complete chick flick package.
Bridget Jones’ Diary
Watching Bridget may help you realise how much you *actually* do have your life together. And, who doesn’t love Hugh Grant?
Letters to Juliet
A modern twist on the timeless classic.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Awkward in all the right ways. A classic comedy and chick flick. Plus, you can watch the sequel afterwards!
Mamma Mia
Get ready to bust out some tunes.
Notting Hill
We all wish we were dating a movie star. Another Hugh Grant classic.
Pretty in Pink
When in doubt, break out a classic.
Sweet Home Alabama
No one forgets their first love.
The Vow
Rachel McAdams does it again.
Two Weeks’ Notice
Hugh Grant again…well, he was the rom com king. Opposites attract in this cute flick.
The Holiday
Jude Law brings the accent, while Jack Black brings the humour. Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz as the female leads – #winning.
Leap Year
Based off an old Irish folklore tradition where a woman can propose to a man on a leap day. It’s quite a predictable movie but it will definitely make you go ‘aww!’
No Reservations
Warning: You may have to fill up with the popcorn, with all the food shots in this film. The plot is based on Kate, a chef who struggles with life after learning she’s the guardian of her late sister’s daughter, until Nick, who’s personality is the complete opposite, comes into the picture.
The Proposal
Witty and adorable.
Excited to have a movie night?
Join women across the state who will host or attend a Girls’ Night In this year! Whether it’s an intimate evening with your besties or an online gathering, we know it’ll be a blast!
All funds raised will be invested in vital cancer research, patient support services and prevention programs for women affected by breast and gynaecological cancers.
When you register, you’ll receive a free host kit to help you get the party started.
Register to host a Girls’ Night In
