By Kerryn Miotto
MUCH-needed practical support, care and comfort will continue for families navigating cancer and palliative care, thanks to hundreds of generous supporters who came together at the sold-out Lisa’s Lunches Tea Party last Sunday at Club Parkview.
The much-loved Lisa’s Lunches annual Ipswich fundraising event brought together an incredible community of supporters, local businesses, volunteers and sponsors, to exceed its ambitious $30,000 fundraising goal. Run entirely by volunteers with no government funding, the organisation relies on the generosity of the community to continue its important work.
Started in 2019 in memory of Lisa Heuston, who sadly passed away at just 39 years of age, Lisa’s Lunches has grown from a small community initiative into a charity providing practical assistance and comfort to patients and families across Ipswich and South East Queensland.
Lisa’s Lunches CEO Jacqui Martin said guests were treated to an afternoon of fun, delicious food, boutique market stalls and an impressive selection of donated prizes. The popular Pick a Daisy game returned, alongside raffles, a silent auction and an exciting live auction, with local businesses contributing an extraordinary range of prizes and experiences.
“This included a beautiful handmade quilt, generously donated by Kaela’s Patch, auctioned to support long-time Lisa’s Lunches volunteer Selena Wright and her family following her recent cancer diagnosis,” Jacqui said.
“Being able to give back to Selena, who has given to so much to Lisa’s Lunches, was a particularly special moment from the day.”
Guest speaker Louise O’Neill, CEO of Palliative Care Queensland, shared valuable insights into the importance of palliative care and the work of Ambulance Wish Queensland.
Lisa’s Lunches events coordinator Kerryn Miotto said the charity continued to make a significant impact through its lunch pack program, which provides thousands of snack packs to families navigating cancer, as well as its Palliative Care Boxes, which offer comfort and dignity to patients and their loved ones during some of life’s most difficult moments.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to every sponsor, donor, volunteer, local business and guest who contributed to making the 2026 tea party such a special occasion,” Kerryn said.
Jacqui said that it was more than an afternoon of fund-raising.
“The annual Lisa’s Lunches Tea Party is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with kindness, compassion and a shared purpose,” she said.
You can still make a donation to go towards the fundraising total at lisaslunches.com.au and make sure you follow us on Facebook to find out everything we do in the community.
