Cardiac Outreach Program

For some of Far North Queensland’s most remote residents, a trip to the city for vital heart care isn’t just hard — it’s terrifying

Karyn Greensill, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Cardiac Outreach Service Clinical Coordination Manager (L) and Meghan Draper, Cardiac Outreach Clinical Nurse Consultant for Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (R)

Imagine facing a life-threatening heart condition, knowing the care you need is hundreds of kilometres away, in a city you’ve never visited, reachable only by plane.

For thousands of North Queensland’s most remote residents, travelling to Cairns for cardiac treatment isn’t just a logistical challenge — it’s a frightening one.

Enter the QSuper Cardiac Challenge, which is sponsored by Australian Retirement Trust.

Now in its 19th year, this iconic 333-kilometre cycling event unites riders of all abilities with a single goal: helping deliver lifesaving cardiac care to rural and regional communities, reducing the stress, cost, and hardship of travelling to major cities for treatment.

A program changing lives, one patient at a time

Hosted by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation (FNQHF), the QSuper Cardiac Challenge has raised more than $6 million for equipment and services over nearly two decades.

In the past year alone, more than $147,000 has helped fund a dedicated outreach vehicle, ultrasound carts for echocardiogram machines, specialist cardiac ultrasound beds, and a new ECG machine.

Some equipment remains in local clinics — from Weipa to Cooktown, across 36 locations and an area covering more than 270,000 kilometres with a high percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents. Other devices travel with outreach teams to ensure care reaches even the most remote locations, such as Thursday Island.

The impact is significant, but the need is ongoing.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Cardiac Outreach Service Clinical Coordination Manager, Karyn Greensill, said the program has saved an estimated 3,000 people from needing to travel to Cairns for treatment. But more support is needed for another outreach vehicle, an upgraded echocardiography machine for Thursday Island, and, ultimately, a dedicated outreach airplane.

“For some people, the idea of getting on a plane and flying to Cairns is absolutely overwhelming. They have never left their community, and suddenly they’re being asked to navigate a big, unfamiliar city,” she said.

“The costs are huge too: flights, accommodation, meals. By delivering care where people live, we’re not just improving outcomes and easing stress, but preventing many patients from becoming acutely unwell or needing emergency hospital admissions later on.

“The Cardiac Challenge is key to delivering that.”

Ms Greensill said the program’s success also relies on the close collaboration of Meghan Draper, Cardiac Outreach Clinical Nurse Consultant for Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, whose teamwork helps ensure outreach runs smoothly across the Far North.

“I’m incredibly proud of our entire outreach team. The nurses, doctors, sonographers, and admin staff are superheroes who go the extra mile every day to put patients first, no matter the challenges,” she said.

Communities riding together for change

Australian Retirement Trust’s Head of Government and Regions, Mr Patrick Twomey, said the QSuper Cardiac Challenge shows what’s possible when communities come together.

“It’s an honour to be part of something that delivers hope, care, and better health outcomes to the people who need it most,” Mr Twomey said.

“Every year, the QSuper Cardiac Challenge reminds us that when a community unites, real and lasting change is possible. It’s not just about the ride — it’s about the lives we touch along the way.”

The 2025 QSuper Cardiac Challenge will take place from September 20 to 22, with hundreds of riders expected to cover the 333 kilometres between Cairns and Cooktown to help expand outreach and deliver even greater impact across Far North Queensland.