Community & Business
3 August, 2026
Hospital gets second cuddle bed
Businesses across the region have raised money to pay for a second cuddle bed at Oakey Hospital, meaning more friends and family of palliative care patients can hold their loved ones close in their final days.
The bed was donated by the Belinda McGowan Foundation, who are the key drivers of cuddle beds in the region, and has been set up in the Doug Darr Room in the Oakey Hospital’s dementia ward.
Inspired by the final days of Flight Lieutenant Belinda McGowan, RAAF, who longed for closer connection with her loved ones, the Foundation has transformed her vision into a legacy of love and care.
Produced in Melbourne, the cuddle beds supplied by the McGowan Foundation consist of two independent mattresses joined together which have adjustable air pressure designed to suit the needs of the patient.
The bed has a weight capacity of 800kg, meaning multiple family members and friends can be supported at one time.
It can also be uncoupled into two separate beds with their own controls and specialised mattress configurations.
The project was driven by the fundraising efforts of the South Queensland Braford Foundation through the New Dimension Braford Sale at Bell Showgrounds in August last year, which raised $3,650.
The effort was supported by generous contributions from the Bernborough Tavern, New Acland Coal, the Eastern Star Foundation and individuals from the local community and beyond.
The Eastern Star Foundation has provided a grant to the McGowan Foundation, which is also going towards installing beds at Charleville and Clifton.
The Foundation, which has its origins in the Masonic Order of the Eastern Star provides grants to charities to support evidence-based programs and initiatives that support the aged.
Individual donors also contributed to the cause, most notably former senior public servant Michelle Lees, PSM.
Ms Lees, who at time of her retirement from the Australian Public Service in 2024, was Deputy Chief Officer of Services Australia, said rural communities need better support in the health sector.
“I’m from a small country town in Northern New South Wales,” she said.
“Any way we can help rural, regional, and remote communities is a worthwhile cause.”
The community-led drive for a second cuddle bed came off the back of the success of the first bed which has been used multiple times since its installation in December.
An official opening ceremony for the bed was held on Thursday (July 23rd) in Dr E.A.F McDonald Home, the aged care wing of the Hospital, an event also attended by the residents.
Director of Nursing at Oakey Hospital, Matt Boyd thanked the McGowan Foundation, and all the individuals and businesses who had donated to make the second bed possible.
