A Gift of Comfort: Cuddle Bed Donation to K-Life Residential

Dannielle Hersant • August 20, 2025

A gift of comfort and closeness, bringing dignity and love to life’s final moments.

On Friday 21 March 2025, K-Life Residential was honoured to receive the generous donation of a palliative care cuddle bed—thanks to the extraordinary kindness of the McGowan Foundation and the collective efforts of our local community.

The presentation, held at our Killarney facility, was more than just a handover—it was a heartfelt moment that reminded us all of what truly matters in end-of-life care: connection, dignity, and love.

The morning began with a warm welcome and a reading of the Ode by Dennis Pollard, President of RSL South West District, honouring the spirit of service and compassion that underpins this donation. Bruce McGowan shared the story behind the McGowan Foundation, expressing deep thanks to the donors who made this gift possible. Greg Eather then spoke movingly on behalf of the donor families, reflecting on their shared desire to ease the burden for others during life’s most vulnerable moments.

Representatives from K-Life expressed gratitude for the cuddle bed, which has already made an impact in our palliative care space. Designed to allow family members to lie beside loved ones, the cuddle bed provides physical closeness at a time when it’s most needed—bringing peace, presence, and human touch into a setting that can often feel clinical or isolating.

The Eather family presented commemorative plaques, which now accompany the bed as a permanent reminder of the community’s generosity and compassion.

After the presentation, guests shared morning tea together—an opportunity for connection, conversation, and reflection among residents, staff, families, and supporters.

This donation goes far beyond a piece of equipment. It’s a symbol of care that will continue to comfort families for years to come. We’re deeply grateful to the McGowan Foundation, the Eather family, and everyone who contributed to this extraordinary act of generosity.

At K-Life, we believe that everyone deserves to be held, not just cared for. This cuddle bed helps us do exactly that.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Harmonies and High Tea Showcases the Power of Community Collaboration

By Dannielle Hersant • June 22, 2026

Community collaboration, live music and meaningful connections create a memorable day for K-Life residents and the wider Killarney community.

Killarney and District Community Connections Expo Brings Community Together

By Dannielle Hersant • June 12, 2026

Connecting people, strengthening partnerships and supporting a more resilient community. On Saturday 30 May 2026, the Killarney Recreation Club came alive with community spirit as more than 400 people attended the inaugural Killarney and District Community Connections Expo . Proudly coordinated by K-Life and the Killarney Co-op and supported through the Southern Downs Regional Council Community Recovery and Resilience Program, the Expo brought together more than 40 community organisations, service providers, businesses, sporting groups, emergency services and volunteer organisations, all with a shared goal of strengthening connections across our region. The event provided local residents with the opportunity to discover the many services, activities and supports available throughout Killarney and the surrounding district. From healthcare and aged care services to volunteer groups, education providers, sporting clubs and community organisations, the Expo showcased the incredible range of support networks available within our community. One of the key aims of the Expo was to improve awareness of local services and create opportunities for people to connect with organisations that can support their health, wellbeing and community involvement. The event also highlighted the important role volunteers play in keeping our community vibrant and connected. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed meeting local service providers, collecting information, entering lucky door prizes, participating in community surveys and learning more about opportunities available within the district. The K-Life Men's Shed sausage sizzle and refreshments helped create a welcoming atmosphere where conversations and connections could flourish. The Expo was also an important opportunity for organisations to network with one another, strengthening referral pathways and fostering new partnerships that will benefit the community long after the event has concluded. Community survey data collected during the event will assist K-Life and local stakeholders to better understand community needs, identify service gaps and support future planning initiatives aimed at improving health and wellbeing outcomes across the region. K-Life would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the Expo, including exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors, community groups, local businesses and attendees. Special thanks go to the Killarney Co-op, our volunteers, and the many organisations that gave their time and expertise to support the day. The overwhelming response from the community demonstrates the value of bringing people together, sharing information and strengthening local connections. At K-Life, we believe that strong communities are built through collaboration, and the success of the Killarney and District Community Connections Expo is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when communities come together. We look forward to continuing these conversations and building on the partnerships and connections formed through this event.