General News
19 December, 2025
Robot drive tops $4.3m
CUTTING edge surgeries at Cairns Hospital will become a reality after the community raised $4.3 million for a state-of-the-art surgical robot called DaNI.
Patients needing robotic urology, gynaecological and other abdominal surgeries will no longer need to travel thanks to a 19-month, $4.3m campaign, which culminated in $500,000 being raised for the robot at a lunch late last month.
Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation chief executive officer Gina Hogan said the milestone achievement meant public patients in Far North Queensland would now have equitable access to the latest surgical techniques at home.
“This is a huge step forward for health care in our community and the largest fundraising appeal in our 29-year history,” she said.
“It means patients have smaller incisions, fewer surgical complications and less time in the hospital, which, of course, will free up beds for other patients needing care and help, attract and retain staff,” she said.
“During the past 19 months, our community has united in an extraordinary way to make this possible. From donations starting at just $5 to major contributions from generous donors – every gift has played a vital role in reaching this milestone.
“This campaign was powered by generosity, creativity and collaboration. From gala dinners to raffles, charity lunches to matched giving campaigns, to gift-wrapping, to individuals and businesses – all donations large and small, the people of Far North Queensland have shown what is possible when we come together for a shared purpose.”
Campaign highlights:
Trinity Advisory Christmas charity lunches (2020-2023) – $868,596, $411,000 last year and $500,000 last Friday
Starlit Soirée at Cairns Airport (2024) – raised $755,150, including a remarkable $450,000 donation from Kenfrost Homes
Australian Armour and Artillery Museum Dinner (2025) – added $896,225, with Kenfrost Homes contributing another $500,000, bringing KenFrost Homes’ total contribution to the campaign to $950,000
Nu Nu Restaurant Melbourne Cup lunch – raised $120,145 in 2024 and $200,728 in 2025, totalling $320,728
BDO Arrow Experience and Coral Expeditions art union – together raised $137,498 across two years
Maritime Union of Australia (Cairns Branch) – $100,000 donation
Ellis and Denise Richardson – $100,000 donation, then pledged to match donations up to $100,000, doubling contributions and raising $200,000 in just three weeks
Mills Family Foundation – $50,000 in memory of former FNQHF CEO Tony Franz.
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