Arabic version: المتطوعون يقدمون الراحة من خلال قصات الشعر المجانية في دار الرعاية
Residents at a central Queensland hospice are receiving free haircuts, bringing a sense of comfort and dignity during their final days. Volunteer hairdresser Kelly Wingard, who operates a business in Rockhampton, dedicates her time to helping terminally ill patients at the Fitzroy Community Hospice, which opened in 2024. Wingard describes her clients as “like extended family,” highlighting the importance of personal connections during vulnerable moments.
According to ABC News, Wingard believes that a fresh haircut can significantly impact a patient’s self-esteem. “We all know if our hair’s not right, sometimes we don’t even want to go out,” she said. Her efforts aim to help patients feel more normal and improve their outlook during difficult times.
The Fitzroy Community Hospice can facilitate up to 12 terminally ill patients at a time and was established in response to community needs. Wingard shared her personal experience of losing her father, emphasizing the difference a dedicated space could have made during his final days.
Despite the establishment of the hospice, gaps in Australia’s advanced healthcare system remain. Megan Anderson, the hospice’s clinical services manager, encourages Australians to engage in conversations about their end-of-life care preferences. A 2025 survey indicated that only one in three Australians had begun planning for such care.
Palliative Care Queensland is advocating for the extension of the Palliative and End-Of-Life Care Strategy, which is set to expire on June 30. Chief executive Louise O’Neill noted that many Australians face unexpected health challenges and have pressing questions about their care. With around 70 people dying daily in Queensland from expected deaths, effective planning can ease the burden on families left behind.
As discussions about improving palliative care continue, Wingard remains committed to volunteering at the hospice, stating, “I make time for the hospice because it’s a very, very worthy facility.”
