Cancer Council Queensland

Cancer Council Queensland provides counselling for people in Queensland who are affected by cancer, including carers, family members and friends. The service offers up to 10 sessions with registered psychologists using a Mental Health Care Plan and up to four sessions with nurse counsellors. Counselling is focused on the emotional and psychological impact of cancer. The service does not provide couples counselling, family counselling or ongoing counselling. Appointments are available by phone or video call. In‑person appointments are offered in some locations. A Mental Health Care Plan is required to access this service.

Financial Counselling Service supports people in Queensland who are affected by cancer and having money problems. Qualified financial counsellors provide free information, support and advocacy. A counsellor will work with the person to understand their financial situation and support their financial goals. This may include help with budgeting, reviewing debts and exploring ways to manage money or reduce financial stress. Counsellors can also help people understand their rights, talk with creditors, and find government or community support.

Marylyn Mayo Lodge in Cairns offers a place to stay for people in Queensland who need to travel for cancer treatment. The service is run by Cancer Council Queensland and provides short‑term accommodation in an independent living setting with private rooms and shared facilities. This can help reduce the financial and emotional stress of travelling for treatment. Guests receive practical help, information and emotional support from Cancer Council staff. Staff can also link guests with other Cancer Council services and local community supports. This service is available only to people who meet certain criteria.

Charles Wanstall Apex Lodge in Brisbane offers a place to stay for people in Queensland who need to travel for cancer treatment. The service is run by Cancer Council Queensland and provides short‑term accommodation in an independent living setting with private rooms and shared facilities. This can help reduce the financial and emotional stress of travelling for treatment. Guests receive practical help, information and emotional support from Cancer Council staff. Staff can also link guests with other Cancer Council services and local community supports. This service is available only to people who meet certain criteria.

Olive McMahon Lodge in Toowoomba offers a place to stay for people in Queensland who need to travel for cancer treatment. The service is run by Cancer Council Queensland and provides short‑term accommodation in an independent living setting with private rooms and shared facilities. This can help reduce the financial and emotional stress of travelling for treatment. Guests receive practical help, information and emotional support from Cancer Council staff. Staff can also link guests with other Cancer Council services and local community supports. This service is available only to people who meet certain criteria.

Gluyas Rotary Lodge in Townsville offers a place to stay for people in Queensland who need to travel for cancer treatment. The service is run by Cancer Council Queensland and provides short‑term accommodation in an independent living setting with private rooms and shared facilities. This can help reduce the financial and emotional stress of travelling for treatment. Guests receive practical help, information and emotional support from Cancer Council staff. Staff can also link guests with other Cancer Council services and local community supports. This service is available only to people who meet certain criteria.

Central Queensland Cancer Support Centre in Rockhampton offers a place to stay for people in Queensland who need to travel for cancer treatment. The service is run by Cancer Council Queensland and provides short‑term accommodation in an independent living setting with private rooms and shared facilities. This can help reduce the financial and emotional stress of travelling for treatment. Guests receive practical help, information and emotional support from Cancer Council staff. Staff can also link guests with other Cancer Council services and local community supports. This service is available only to people who meet certain criteria.

The Transport to Treatment service provides free transport support for people in Queensland who are having cancer treatment. Trained volunteer drivers help people get to and from their treatment safely and comfortably. To use the service, people need to be able to move on their own and get in and out of the vehicle without help. If help is needed, a carer must travel with them. The service is for people who cannot afford the cost of travel to treatment. The service will assess eligibility.

The Wigs and Headwear service supports people in Queensland who lose their hair because of cancer. The service provides one wig and one piece of headwear at no cost to people affected by cancer. Trained volunteers offer a warm and welcoming service to help each person feel comfortable, supported and confident before they leave.

Women’s Connect groups bring together women and non‑binary people who share a similar cancer experience. The groups offer a warm and welcoming space where people can share stories, listen to others and feel supported. Face‑to‑face groups are available in Brisbane and Cairns. Online groups are also available for people across Queensland.

PalAssist provides information and support for people living with a life-limiting illness. This includes emotional support, help with decision-making, and assistance to find services and solve problems. The service is delivered by nurses and other health professionals, with advice tailored to individual needs. PalAssist is funded by Queensland Health and delivered by Cancer Council Queensland. It is available to people who live in Queensland.