The_CEO_Magazine_ANZ_-_December_2016

Above Hummingbird

House exterior and

front entrance.

Opposite, from top

Founders Paul and

Gabrielle Quilliam;

General Manager Dr

Fiona Hawthorne.

PHILANTHROPY

A

s foster carers to a little girl who spent the most part of her

childhood in and out of hospital, Paul and Gabrielle Quilliam knew

what it was like to live with and love a child affected by a life-

limiting condition. This experience eventually compelled the couple

to launch Hummingbird House — a decision that would change

their lives forever, both personally and professionally, but would also bring them

many great rewards.

Hummingbird House is the only children’s hospice to exist in Queensland.

With an estimated 3,700 children affected by a life-limiting condition in the

state, it was a much-needed addition to the limited services already available.

“Our vision was to create a community-based support that addressed a gap

in services for children and families within Queensland,” Paul says. “We were

passionate that it would be sustainable and that it would be a service built

with consultation, collaboration and creativity as the main drivers. This

vision ensured Hummingbird House would provide best-practice care for

children affected by life-limiting conditions and their families in a warm

home-like environment.

“The concept of best-practice care translates to every aspect of the service,

from the clinical support the child and family receives, to the way we welcome

Hummingbird House offers comfort and support to children affected by

life-limiting conditions, while providing respite for families and carers.

IMAGES HUMMINGBIRD HOUSE WORDS SKYE HOKL AS

Feels like home