General News
21 April, 2026
Floral power for cancer
A VOLUNTEER group is raising funds to support regional cancer patients travelling for treatment, with proceeds helping provide accommodation and transport services.
Maureen Gardner, a long-time volunteer with Cancer Council Queensland, said the Flower Power team had been fundraising for six years, with all funds directed to the Marylyn Mayo Lodge.
The lodge was named after the late Marylyn Mayo, who lost her battle with cancer.
“I have been a volunteer with Cancer Council Queensland for 15 years, and since we formed our Flower Power Team six years ago, we are all full-time volunteers”, she said.
Ms Gardner said the lodge provided free accommodation in Cairns for regional patients and their carers, along with transport to treatment.
“What the Marylyn Mayo Lodge does is we provide a facility for cancer patients who live in the regions, who come to Cairns to have treatment. They can have accommodation at our lodge at no charge to them and their carer,” she said.
She said a transport service also operated daily, taking patients to and from medical appointments.
“It’s a very valuable service to cancer patients, not, you know, not having to worry about how they’re going to get where they’re going to stay for one and getting to and from their appointment,” she said.
Ms Gardner said her involvement was driven by personal experience, including losing a family member to leukemia and her own cancer diagnosis.
“I’m also a cancer survivor, so I have a blood cancer called Waldenstrom, and I’m in remission at the moment,” she said.
The Flower Power team operates a shop at Mount Sheridan Plaza, selling handmade and donated items to raise funds.
“Our most popular range is our crochet top tea towels … since June, when we opened our store, until now. We have sold over 1000 crochet-topped tea towels out of this centre, out of the shop,” she said.
The group also runs regular fundraising events throughout the year, including Mother’s Day activities, Biggest Morning Tea events in June, Daffodil Day in August and Pink October campaigns.
“We are so thankful for the support… any support we can receive is greatly appreciated,” Ms Gardner said.
The Flower Power store is open Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 4pm, and on the second Sunday of each month for market day, with ongoing fundraising planned throughout the year.
