General News
2 November, 2026
New centre’s plans
A NEW five-storey accommodation centre for patients and families travelling to Cairns for medical treatment is expected to begin construction early next year, with an opening anticipated in 2029.
The Australian Red Cross and Queensland Health have lodged a development application with the Cairns Regional Council for the proposed Cairns Wellbeing Centre at 261–263 Lake Street, Cairns North.
The facility will feature 45 accommodation units, including accessible and family rooms, and will be about 190 metres from Cairns Hospital.
The development will replace the former Cairns Wellbeing Centre on Lake Street, which the Queensland Government acquired as part of the Cairns Hospital expansion.
Australian Red Cross and Queensland Health said the new facility would offer affordable accommodation for patients, carers and families travelling from rural, regional and remote communities throughout Far North Queensland.
“The proposed Australian Red Cross Wellbeing Centre will provide a modern, purpose-built home away from home for patients and families who need to travel to Cairns for medical treatment,” the organisations said in a joint response to Cairns Local News.
The centre will include communal areas for guests to prepare meals, relax and connect with others, as well as dedicated Red Cross reception and support offices, volunteer spaces and outdoor areas.
Despite the redevelopment, the accommodation capacity will remain unchanged at 45 units.
Following the acquisition of its former site, the existing Cairns Wellbeing Centre relocated to temporary premises at 8 Minnie Street on 19 October.
The organisations confirmed that existing booking processes and service arrangements had not changed, ensuring that accommodation and support services continued without interruption.
They said the new centre would help reduce the financial and practical pressures on patients who must travel long distances to access specialist healthcare.
“For many people, accessing specialist treatment can mean spending days or weeks away from home, family, community and support networks at what is often an already challenging time,” they said.
The project’s estimated cost and funding arrangements have not been publicly disclosed. Planning and procurement processes are still to be progressed.
Queensland Health and the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service are collaborating with Australian Red Cross to plan the permanent facility.
