Christmas celebrates giving, but even our partnerships team felt overwhelmed when Anne Mills and Liz Franz from the Mills Family Foundation walked into COUCH Cancer Hub NQ with a remarkable $50,000 donation.
Jennifer Spilsbury and Frankie Opie proudly accepted the gift on behalf of the COUCH community. This generous contribution will directly strengthen cancer support services across Far North Queensland.
Anne’s connection to COUCH Cancer Hub NQ runs deep. She is the sister of founders Charles and Pip Woodward and grew up in a family committed to community service. From Meals on Wheels and CWA to guiding, scouting, hospital leadership, and local philanthropy, service has always shaped her life.
“Giving back is part of who we are,” Anne says.
Anne and her late husband Les established the Mills Family Foundation in 2007. Since then, the foundation has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to organisations supporting people facing illness, including COUCH Cancer Hub NQ.
This latest $50,000 donation strengthens a legacy that spans decades and impacts countless lives. It ensures more locals affected by cancer can access integrated care, practical support, and community connection at COUCH.
Anne explains her philosophy simply: “I don’t need the best car or the best things. You get more pleasure helping people.”
Her actions reflect those words.
COUCH Cancer Hub NQ relies on the generosity of supporters like Anne and the Mills Family Foundation to continue delivering evidence-based cancer support services. Their commitment not only strengthens our community but also honours the vision on which COUCH was founded.
Anne and the Mills Family Foundation lead by example. Their generosity creates real impact for people navigating cancer across Far North Queensland.