Queenslanders unite to support RBWH and STARS

Caption: RBWH Foundation’s annual Giving Day raised more than $700,000 to fund patient care and research initiatives.

The generosity of Queenslanders was on full display recently as RBWH Foundation’s annual Giving Day raised funds to develop and deliver world leading care.

This year’s RBWH Foundation Giving Day raised an incredible $756,450, which will help fund innovation, research and better patient outcomes across RBWH, STARS and the wider Herston Health Precinct.

The day began with the return of Channel Seven’s Sunrise weather presenter Sam Mac, who broadcast live from RBWH and shared powerful stories highlighting the real world impact of donor support.

Among the famous faces who lent their support was 2024 Paralympic gold medallist Alexa Leary, who was reunited with some of the hospital team who cared for her when a cycling accident left her with a traumatic brain injury in 2021.

Other ambassadors from a range of sporting codes were delighted to visit wards across RBWH and STARS, bringing a little Giving Day magic to patients and hospital teams.

RBWH Foundation Chief Executive Officer Simone Garske thanked everyone who played a role in making Giving Day 2026 such a huge success.

Paralympic Gold Medallist, Alexa Leary was among the celebrity ambassadors to lend their support to Giving Day.

“We are overwhelmed by the support of this incredible community,” she said.

“Watching the Giving Day tally rise is incredibly exciting, but nowhere near as thrilling as what happens next – the patients and families who are given hope for better healing and a brighter future because of you.

“Our huge thanks go to everyone who donated to the campaign, but most importantly to the teams on the frontline who show up every day, giving their best to each one of us.

“We’re proud to stand with them, funding research and patient care programs shaped at the bedside—the improvements they believe will make the greatest difference.”