A million-dollar record for patient care and world-leading research
Celebrations in the phone room on the RBWH Foundation’s 2025 Giving Day.
On Wednesday 11 June, the RBWH Foundation held their annual Giving Day which was celebrated across the RBWH and STARS. The biggest event on the Foundation’s calendar, Giving Day shines a spotlight on the remarkable work that happens at these facilities every day and encourages Queenslanders to donate to support patient care innovation and world-leading research.
This year’s Giving Day also marked the 40th anniversary of the RBWH Foundation, so it was only fitting that the fundraising total broke all previous records, a staggering $1,014,000.
The day kicked off with Channel Seven’s Sunrise’s weather presenter Sam Mac broadcasting live from the RBWH atrium. Sam has been a regular at Giving Day, showcasing inspiring patient stories about the impact of donations to the Foundation.
The phone room was also a focus for the day, with Wally Lewis, Trevor Gillmeister, Darren Lockyer, Tom Gilbert, Jack Wildermuth, Shannon Campbell and celebrity chef Matt Golinski all hitting the phones to take calls from generous donors.
Sports stars and Foundation Ambassadors from AFL and AFLW premiership players, Queensland Reds, Queensland Bulls, and Former Origin Greats spent time touring the wards at the RBWH and STARS to meet and chat with patients and staff.
Giving Day also highlighted the long and enduring relationship between RBWH and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with many staff visiting the Bushmaster vehicle outside the hospital and the field operating theatre in the atrium on the day.
Thank you to all the staff who baked goods for the bake sale, supported the Sunrise television crosses, helped out in the phone room or participated in the Beat the Clock competition.
A big shout out to the wonderful community of donors, fundraisers, volunteers, ambassadors, corporate partners and supporters for their kindness and generosity and for making 2025 RBWH Foundation Giving Day such as success.
RBWH Foundation CEO, Simone Garske passed on her thanks to everyone who supported the 2025 Giving Day.
“Thanks a million! This isn’t just fundraising, it’s hope in action: the good we can do starts now, thanks to you,” said Simone.
“Your generosity will help the dedicated our dedicated hospital teams turn life-changing ideas into real-world impact. Together, we’re building a better, healthier Queensland.”
The money raised at Giving Day provide funds for patient care and life-saving medical research for the RBWH, STARS and the Institutes and Research Centres across the Herston Health Precinct, via the RWBH Foundation Grant Rounds.