Since 1997, Bloomhill Cancer Care has been helping people live well with cancer across the Sunshine Coast region. Founded by oncology and palliative care nurse Margaret “Margie” Gargan, Bloomhill was built on the belief of providing personalised support for people living with cancer using an evidence-based and nurse-led model of care.
After learning about the success of the Bloomhill model, our founder Robyn Yates OAM was inspired by their principles and practices. In 2005, she established Blue Mountains Cancer Help (now known as Cancer Wellness Support), harnessing the power of community to provide holistic, person-centred care.
Over the past two decades, both organisations have grown alongside the communities they serve. As Bloomhill approaches its 30th year of operations in 2027, their impact across the Sunshine Coast is remarkable. Today, they operate a dedicated wellness centre in Buderim set within rainforest surrounds, a café that welcomes visitors and clients alike, and nine Op Shops across the region. In February 2025, Bloomhill merged with the Leukaemia Foundation, strengthening their ability to support even more people living with cancer.
Last month, our very own Samantha Alana, Client Services Coordinator, was travelling through the Sunshine Coast. Naturally, she couldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Bloomhill Cancer Care and see where it all began. Sam described the experience as both inspiring and grounding, saying “The wellness centre is set on about ten acres, and it’s just beautiful. I loved the café overlooking the rainforest, and it has such a peaceful feeling. The therapy rooms and group spaces all had this really calming outlook into nature, which felt very special.”
During her visit, Sam had the opportunity to connect with several members of the Bloomhill team, including Joe Surace, their Events and Volunteers Lead, Helen Dunne, one of their Clinical Leads, as well as a number of therapists in between client sessions. “It was lovely meeting the team and hearing more about the work they’re doing,” Sam said. “Joe and Helen were really happy to connect, and we’ve swapped contact details to stay in touch. There was even wishful talk about them visiting our Wellness Centres one day.”
Sam also got to meet Bloomhill’s founder, Margie Gargan. “Margie now lives in the same retirement village as my dad,” Sam explained. “It was really special to hear Margie talk about the early days of Bloomhills and how it all began”.
What struck Sam most was the shared understanding between Bloomhills and Cancer Wellness Support. “All of us really appreciated connecting with people who truly understand this work. Some of the staff there have also experienced cancer themselves, which brings such a deep level of empathy to the support they provide”, she reflected.
While Cancer Wellness Support has grown in its own unique way over the past 20 years, our roots are part of a much larger story of compassion, community, and a shared commitment to helping people live well with cancer.
