Coles and Hummingbird House unite for Queensland’s bravest kids

Queenslanders are being asked to dig deep to support Hummingbird House, the state’s only children’s hospice, with the launch of the 12th annual Coles Hummingbird House appeal.

This year’s campaign shines a light on three extraordinary Queensland families whose children — aged 2, 6 and 17 — are living with life-limiting conditions. Their stories reflect the courage, love and resilience of families across the state who rely on Hummingbird House for specialised care and support.

Asher Holland is about to turn 18, one of many milestones he was told he wouldn’t meet. At 8 months old he was diagnosed with MECP2 duplication syndrome, following the sudden death of his 21-month-old brother Elijah, who was undiagnosed with the same condition.

The syndrome is extremely rare. At the time, the boys were thought to be only 2 of 80 people worldwide living with the condition.

‘We were given a google print out sheet and told “now you know as much as us”. We were also told Asher wouldn’t walk, talk or live past the age of 2,’ mum Alli said.

After previously living in Sydney and receiving care at Bear Cottage, another of only 3 children’s hospices in Australia, the family moved to Brisbane and became guests at Hummingbird House.

‘Hummingbird House has become a lifeline for our family. We cannot express the love and importance of a place like this for families like ours. Having a space where you aren’t the minority and people just “get it” is life changing,’ Alli said.

‘When you hear the word hospice, you might think that it's clinical, that it's medical, but this is anything but. You have those supports when you need them, but Hummingbird House feels like home - it should be called Hummingbird Home.’

Judy Beazley, Director of Care and Wellbeing at Wesley Mission Queensland, the operator of Hummingbird House, said it was built on the generosity of Queenslanders and would not be able to keep providing services without community donations.   

‘No parent ever wants to think they need a place like Hummingbird House, but when the unimaginable happens we are here to walk alongside them,’ Judy said.

‘Community support through this appeal is absolutely essential to keeping our doors open, and continuing to offer specialised paediatric palliative care and end-of-life and grief and bereavement support at no cost to families, who are facing the toughest of times.”

The annual Coles appeal has become a cornerstone of community support for Hummingbird House, with thousands of Queenslanders giving generously each year. Funds raised through the appeal will help keep Hummingbird House’s vital services running, providing short break stays, family support, creative therapies and end-of-life, after-death and grief care to hundreds of children and families each year.

“Coles is proud to stand with Hummingbird House and the families it supports,” said Coles State General Manager Queensland Joanne Brown. “Our team members are extremely passionate about raising funds for Hummingbird House each year, and we know that together with our customers, we can help make a genuine difference to Queensland families who rely on this vital community service in their time of need.”

Queenslanders can support the campaign by purchasing a $2 hummingbird donation card or by making a donation of their choice at the checkout of any Coles supermarket across the state from 17 September to 7 October 2025, with all funds raised going directly to Hummingbird House.

The donation cards are designed by the appeal families and each artwork holds special meaning for the children and families who rely on Hummingbird House.

For more information about Hummingbird House and the families featured in this year’s campaign, visit  www.hummingbirdhouse.org.au.