Temporary arrangements for Australian Red Cross Cairns Wellbeing Centre confirmed

Today Australian Red Cross and Queensland Health have confirmed the Cairns Wellbeing Centre will temporarily relocate to 8 Minnie Street, Cairns, from 19^th October 2026.

The temporary location follows the recent announcement by the Queensland Government that the existing site will be acquired to expand Cairns Hospital and will ensure the Cairns Wellbeing Centre will continue to operate without interruption while these works progress.

Australian Red Cross Queensland Director, Collin Sivalingum said for more than a decade, the Cairns Wellbeing Centre has provided a home away from home for patients, carers and families who travel from remote, rural and regional communities across Far North Queensland to access medical care in Cairns.

“We know the important role the Wellbeing Centre plays which is why together with the Queensland Government we’re committed to ensuring the service continues while longer-term arrangements are progressed,” he said.

The temporary arrangements are designed to maintain accommodation and support services throughout the transition.

Existing booking processes and service access arrangements will remain unchanged

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Leena Singh said maintaining Australian Red Cross accommodation close to Cairns Hospital had been a priority.

“The Cairns Hospital precinct expansion is critical to meeting growing healthcare demand across Far North Queensland.

“The new Health Innovation and Surgical Centre will deliver additional operating theatres, day surgery and inpatient capacity, specialist outpatient services, and new facilities for research, education and innovation – ultimately meaning more services for more patients.

“The location will allow the Health Innovation and Surgical Centre to connect directly with the existing hospital, supporting safe and efficient patient transfers and a more integrated health precinct.

“We are working closely with Red Cross on both the temporary arrangements and planning a new permanent facility, so this important accommodation service can continue for our patients into the future.”

Further information on the Cairns Wellbeing Centre’s temporary relocation, call 07 3199 4100.

For media enquiries, including requests for interviews, please contact:  media@redcross.org.au or 1800 733 443