Community & Business
21 November, 2025
Tavern holds classic cars exhibition for Hospital’s cuddle bed drive
Bernborough Tavern held a Classic Cars Show ’n’ Shine exhibition on Saturday, raising funds to bring cuddle beds to the Oakey Hospital.
All money raised at the Show ’n’ Shine went to the Oakey Hospital for a cuddle bed to allow people who are at the end of life to spend close time with loved ones.
A cuddle bed is an oversized bed that allows enough room for family members to lay together in hospital.
The bed is fitted with two independent mattresses, joined by a premier acute foam mattress and can be extended to cater for those who are much taller with bolsters provided to extend the mattress bases.
The concept of a cuddle bed came from the experience of former RAAF member Belinda McGowan of Warwick, who wished she was able to cuddle her family and friends in Warwick Hospital during her end-of life care.
Honouring his wife’s dying wish, Bruce McGowan started the Belinda McGowan Foundation, with the first cuddle bed being installed in Warwick in 2022.
With the financial support from initiatives like the Show ’n’ Shine, and New Acland Coal’s Community Investment Fund, it’s looking likely the McGowan Foundation’s fundraising drive to bring a cuddle bed to Oakey will be a success.
Show ’n’ Shine organiser Lisa Yeoman said 27 cars entered Saturday’s charity event with 10 trophies being presented to participants.
Chris Daniels and his XY GT were awarded People’s Choice as the car of the day.
In total the Show ’n’ Shine event raised $865, with $450 coming from the day, $300 from a Tavern donation and $115 from community raffles.
Following the Show ’n’ Shine’s success, Ms Yeoman says she is looking to make it an annual event to raise money for deserving initiatives in Oakey.
