About us

Right now, there are over 5,700 Queensland families loving and caring for a child with a life-limiting condition. Sadly, this means that their child is not expected to reach adulthood. The emotional, physical and financial struggle for some families can be overwhelming. And the opportunity to stay connected – to their partners, other children, family and friends – almost impossible, as they navigate their roles as 24-7 carers.

Hummingbird House is Queensland’s only children’s hospice, and one of only three children’s hospices in Australia. We provide specialised paediatric palliative care services to babies, children and young people with a life-limiting condition, helping them make every moment precious when life is short.

Hummingbird House supports families right across Queensland and strives to provide true choice about when, where and how they receive our care. Families can choose to access our services at our purpose-built home away from home in Brisbane, or in their home or community.

Since 2016, Hummingbird House has welcomed hundreds of families from right across Queensland into our warm embrace. Our vision is to be here for every eligible family that needs us, and ensure they are connected to a community that knows how to care for them; in life, death and bereavement.

Hummingbird House was built by Queenslanders for Queenslanders, and to this day relies on the generosity and support of the Queensland Government and corporate and community supporters to ensure our service is here for every family that needs us, at no cost to them.

What is paediatric palliative care?

Paediatric palliative care focuses on enhancing a child or young person’s quality of life through a holistic lens, which considers their physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. At Hummingbird House, we do this by acknowledging the diversity and uniqueness of each guest, and supporting them to live their life to the fullest at every point along their journey, not just at the end of life. This means that we walk alongside some families for a short period of time, and some families for many years, continuously adapting our care and support to meet their needs. It also means that a child or young person may still be receiving active treatment for their symptoms or condition, which we can support.

What is a children’s hospice?

A hospice is a style of care, rather than a bricks and mortar facility, and aims to improve the quality of life of children and young people with a life-limiting condition. Hospice care can be carried out in the person’s home or in a home-like facility, so that every person important to the child or young person may be active participants in their life.

What is a life-limiting condition?

A life-limiting condition generally has no cure and results in a child or young person not living into adulthood (18 years of age).