In a transformative and sustainable move for the care of those impacted by cancer in Far North Queensland, COUCH Cancer Hub NQ has confirmed it will be merging with the Leukaemia Foundation.
COUCH Chair, Prof Scott Davis said this major advancement will combine the incredible community-led foundation of COUCH with the national scale of the Leukaemia Foundation.
“The focus of both our organisations is the provision of compassionate, evidence-based, wraparound care for people affected by cancer with a shared commitment to strengthening and expanding support for people living in rural and regional communities.
“COUCH has a deep understanding of the needs of our local community and delivers tailored support to people impacted by cancer across the region. The Leukaemia Foundation brings significant clinical expertise, national reach and operational capability, which strengthen and complement the care we provide. Together, we are even better positioned to respond to the growing and changing needs of our community, delivering more coordinated, accessible and high-quality support,” Prof Davis said.
Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti said it was an exciting and important step, saying it “would bridge the health divide that exists between people living in metropolitan and regional areas.”
“For people facing cancer in Far North Queensland, having access to support close to home can make an enormous difference. This integration is about strengthening the care and support available to local people, ensuring more individuals and families can access the practical, emotional and wellbeing services they need throughout every stage of their cancer experience.”
“COUCH has built a trusted reputation and we’re proud to be joining forces with an organisation whose values align so closely with those of the Leukaemia Foundation.”
“Together, we will build on the exceptional work already taking place in the region while preserving the local connections that make these services so valuable to the community.”
As the founding family, the Woodwards see this merger as a positive and deeply meaningful step forward.
“It honours the heart of this work—care, compassion and community—and will help ensure support reaches even more people into the future.”
Prof Davis said the Hub would continue operating under its existing name and that donors and supporters would be able to direct funds to COUCH. Importantly, while becoming part of a national organisation, funds raised locally will remain in the region to directly support people in the North Queensland community.
Prof Davis said that by combining the heart of our local community with national strength and expertise, this partnership marks a new chapter for COUCH—one that will elevate the standard of care, and secure a stronger, more sustainable future for the organisation.
“We are deeply grateful to the families, donors and supporters whose compassion and generosity have built COUCH into what it is today. Together with the Leukaemia Foundation, we now look forward to building on that legacy—expanding what’s possible for people impacted by cancer across our region.”
Media Enquiries:
Gaye Scott, COUCH M: 0418 793 009 E: gaye@gaye-scott.com
Prue Cripps, Senior Public Relations Ambassador Manager, Leukaemia Foundation M: 0473 154 079 E: pcripps@leukaemia.org.au
COUCH merges with Leukaemia Foundation.
