Visit to Karuna Hospice Service in support of Palliative Care Week

Board Chair Ms Catherine Mickel and the Board of Directors; Chief Executive Office Ms Tracey Porst; Former (22^nd) Governor of Queensland the Honourable Leneen Forde AC; staff, volunteers and supporters of Karuna Hospice Service; ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands on which we gather, the Turrbul and Jagera people, and pay respect to their Elders past and present, and emerging. I would also like to extend my respect to any First Nations people here with us today.

As Governor and Patron of Karuna Hospice Services I am delighted to join you to acknowledge the invaluable work being delivered by the organisation and to mark National Palliative Care Week.

As those of you here today are well aware, being given a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness is devastating.  It does not discriminate and can happen at any age. The impact is confronting and frightening for the individual, their family and friends, but with the advent of palliative care much of the angst, suffering and isolation has been alleviated.

Thanks to a deeper understanding, the range of options for managing the stages of a life-limiting illness and of end-of-life care has grown immensely. This has been driven by sound research, valuable training and a strong desire by the sector to meet the individual needs of clients and their families.

For nearly 30 years Karuna Hospice Service has been at the forefront of this approach, vastly improving the way palliative care is delivered.

While the doors of beautiful Karuna House open to welcome those from all faiths and spiritual traditions, it is the Buddhist value of serving others with compassion and kindness that has underpinned the organisation’s work.

Families have readily turned to Karuna for support because they are reassured by your long-standing reputation for holistic care. They know they will be guided and comforted by you and that their loved one’s physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs will be respected.

For many within the broader community, however, the term ‘palliative care’ is still largely misunderstood. This is why raising awareness of this vital hospice service is so important.

Making sure that those living with a life-threatening health condition receive quality care with greater autonomy and choice is central to this year’s National Palliative Care Week theme - ‘It’s your right’.

It is with deepest thanks that I commend Karuna’s administration, highly specialised staff and dedicated volunteers for the altruism and kindheartedness you offer Queensland families when delivering the personalised palliative care, which is a hallmark of your organisation.

On behalf of the community you so ably serve I thank you for the incredible work you do, and for the selfless dedication you demonstrate while ensuring the most vulnerable in our community are supported to live well and die peacefully.

I now invite Board Chair, Ms Catherine Mickel forward to receive a certificate of Vice-Regal patronage. I am so delighted to be able to support such a wonderful organisation.