A Bridgeman Downs mother is transforming her own story of heartbreak into a powerful source of hope for families at Hummingbird House, Queensland’s only children’s hospice in Chermside.
A Purposeful Gathering
The upcoming “Pink and Pearls for a Purpose” gala is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a community-wide effort to support families navigating the toughest journeys imaginable. The event, scheduled for 12 September at the Victoria Park Golf Club, will bring residents together to raise crucial funds for Hummingbird House. Attendees will have the chance to bid on items generously donated by local businesses, including jewellery, hotel stays, and signed sports memorabilia, with every dollar going directly to the hospice’s essential services.
The drive is being led by Bridgeman Downs real estate agent and mother, Sonya Treloar. She has emphasised that the goal extends beyond just raising money; it’s about building a strong network of support for families who desperately need to feel they aren’t alone.
From Personal Heartbreak to Community Hope
For Ms Sonya Treloar, the mission to support Hummingbird House is deeply personal. The heartbreak of losing her own baby, Blake, at just six weeks old, fuels her dedication. This experience gave her a profound understanding of the need for compassionate care and support systems for families facing the potential loss of a child.
Her connection to the hospice began professionally when she assisted its founders, Paul and Gabrielle Quilliam, with the complex property acquisition for the facility. Ms. Treloar has expressed that she immediately knew the project was about creating hope, not just completing a real estate transaction. That initial involvement has since blossomed into passionate advocacy and leadership in the community.
A Unique and Vital Home of Care
Hummingbird House is not just another healthcare facility; it’s a home. As Queensland’s sole children’s hospice and one of only three in all of Australia, it provides a unique and critical service. The Chermside facility offers a warm, family-oriented environment where children with life-limiting conditions receive specialised paediatric palliative care at no cost to their families. This care is holistic, focusing on the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of each child to enhance their quality of life.
The need for such a place is immense. Across Queensland, more than 5,700 families are currently caring for a child who is not expected to live into adulthood. Hummingbird House offers these families respite, short-term accommodation, and end-of-life care, allowing them to stay together and make precious memories in a comforting setting. Supported by the Queensland Government and community generosity, it stands as a critical piece of the state’s support network for seriously ill children.
Updated Date 08-October-2025
