What’s happening?
Central Queensland’s Hornery family, known for their long history in beef and transport, has continued its support for families impacted by cancer by donating a specially fitted out shuttle bus. The bus will help regional patients who need to travel to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for life saving cancer treatment.
The donation honours Quentin Que Hornery’s brother, Lachlan, a father of five and former RBWH cancer patient who passed away in 2008. Que said the decision to help cancer patients reflects the way Lachlan lived.
“Lachy was just a true family man. He always gave to others to make sure they felt comfortable. So now, we support cancer care families and the RBWH family,” he said.
The bus forms part of the Cancer Council Queensland Transport to Treatment Metro North shuttle, which has been described as a lifeline for patients living within a 25 km radius of Caboolture Hospital and travelling to RBWH for treatment.
Why it matters?
Que said many people facing cancer do not have support around them. “We’ve met a lot of people impacted by cancer and not all of them have support, some people don’t have anyone,” he said.
He also said the aim is to ease that load in any way possible. “If we can help ease some of that burden for people, then that’s what we want to do, whether that’s buses or planes or whatever it takes but we have to start somewhere.”
RBWH Foundation CEO Simone Garske said the donation is a strong reminder of what heartfelt giving can do. “The RBWH Foundation is indebted to the Hornery Family for their selfless commitment to easing the difficulties of cancer treatment, especially for patients from regional and remote parts of Queensland,” she said.
“The new shuttle service will remove anxieties surrounding the logistics of travel, such as peak hour traffic, parking costs, and fatigue.”
Local impact
The shuttle offers a steady weekday transport option between Caboolture Library and RBWH. The return service runs four times a day. Patients can now travel without worrying about arranging lifts or driving long distances while managing treatment.
RBWH Cancer Care Services Acting Director Dr Melissa Eastgate said the service became possible through the financial support of the Hornery Family, Cancer Council Queensland and the Cancer Care Trust.
“Their support has been instrumental in making this vital shuttle service a reality, easing the journey for countless patients and their families,” she said.
By the numbers
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The shuttle supports patients within a 25 km radius of Caboolture Hospital who must travel to RBWH for cancer treatment.
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The return service operates four times a day on weekdays between Caboolture Library and RBWH.
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The Hornery family continues to raise funds through pink water trucks, the 4U2 Concert, bottled water and other activities.
Zoom in
Catherine was one of the first patients to use the shuttle. She said the service immediately took away a major stress. “There is a lot to get your head around when you are diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to the shuttle service, transport to and from my appointments is no longer one of them,” she said.
She added that without the service she would have needed help from friends or family for every visit. “If not for this option, I would have had to rely on friends and family to get to and from my appointments. It’s such a blessing that my husband Bill can use the service too and be by my side to lend support.”
Zoom out
The Hornery family continues to raise money to support cancer care families through their pink water trucks, the 4U2 Concert, bottled water and other activities. Their fundraising efforts reflect a long term commitment to easing the pressure felt by people facing cancer.
Que said generosity does not need to be large to be meaningful. “It’s important to say that you don’t have to give a bus to make a difference,” he said.
He added that shared effort matters. “If everybody does a little bit, gives a little bit, we can help each other through. We can’t expect the same people to come through every time, we all have to be prepared to contribute. A lot of hands make easier work, especially when we’re taking on big goals. No matter how small, it all counts.”
What to look for next?
The Hornery family will continue raising funds through their pink water trucks, the 4U2 Concert, bottled water and other activities. Their ongoing work will keep supporting patients and families connected to cancer care.
