Celebrating 40 years of helping people live healthier for longer
The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation is celebrating 40 years of helping people live healthier for longer.
It’s 1986. Sir Joh Bjelke Peterson is Premier of Queensland and Bob Hawke is Prime Minister. Lindy Chamberlain has just been released from prison and Bananarama’s Venus is on top of the music charts. It is also the year a group of like-minded community members come together to form a foundation to support The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH).
In 2026, The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation (TPCHF) is celebrating 40 years of helping people live healthier for longer. During this time, it has contributed more than $78 million to fund groundbreaking research, vital equipment and patient care initiatives at TPCH and Caboolture Hospital.
TPCH Executive Director Tami Photinos said the dedication of TPCH clinicians and researchers—with support from the Foundation—had changed the face of healthcare locally and further afield.
“This year’s celebrations are more than just honouring a charity doing great work,” Tami said.
“The TPCH Foundation helps us in many ways—particularly research—which helps us attract world-class research projects and research staff to TPCH.
“I’m continually inspired by the generosity and support our community has provided over the past 40 years and continues to do so.
TPCH Executive Director Tami Photinos speaking at the Foundation’s 40-year milestone event.
“That support is helping us create a healthier future for everyone.”
Foundation Chief Executive Officer Steve Francia said the community had stood alongside TPCHF to turn compassion into tangible outcomes for patients and their families.
“This 40 years milestone is a moment to reflect on what has been achieved together, but also to look ahead to what’s possible when people continue to come together for the common good,” Mr Francia said.
“Our community can feel proud of what they’ve helped build and being part of shaping the next 40 years of research, patient care and, ultimately, hope.
“Together, we can ensure that legacy continues for generations of patients to come.”
A highlight of the 40-year celebrations will be the Jacaranda Gala in May, inspired by the iconic jacaranda trees that have stood alongside TPCH for generations. More details are available here. Another highlight this year is the 40 schools 40 clubs program.
Newly appointed TPCH Foundation Community Ambassador Rhys Hoole was the 500th person to receive a heart transplant at The Prince Charles Hospital.
The TPCH Foundation launches its 40-year celebrations at Caboolture Hospital.
His story embodies the life-changing impact of medical research and the community generosity that underpins it.
“You know, research is behind every piece of machinery and every new surgical technique,” Rhys said.
“There were so many times when research saved my life, and, as it gets better over time, it’ll go on to save even more.
“It’s not just saving lives – it is helping people create memories and get back to living a full life. The impact research will have in the future is enormous.”
For learn more about Rhys’ journey, visit the TPCHF website.