Coffee With… Albany Community Hospice
By Jean Patino
Over coffee with Jackie Boyce, CEO of Albany Community Hospice, in the peaceful surrounds of the Hospice gardens, we spoke about the vital role the organisation plays in supporting our community at some of life’s most difficult moments.
Albany Community Hospice (ACH) provides palliative care — care focused on improving quality of life for people living with life-limiting illnesses. It’s a service that supports not only the physical needs of patients, but also their emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing, while offering comfort and guidance to families and carers along the way. Importantly, palliative care is not just for cancer patients, and Hospice supports people with a wide range of conditions, including dementia and chronic illnesses.
What makes ACH particularly special is that it is the only community-run, free palliative care service of its kind in Western Australia. Since beginning as a volunteer-led organisation in 1990, the Hospice has grown into a four-bed licensed facility, continuing to provide deeply personalised care to those in need.
What stood out most in our conversation was the way Hospice goes beyond clinical care to create meaningful, human moments. Jackie shared a story about a patient who was able to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary while staying at Hospice. With the help of staff and volunteers, the team transformed the occasion into a beautifully catered three-course dinner for her and her husband — a simple but powerful reminder of the dignity and joy Hospice strives to bring to every person in their care.
At the heart of the Hospice is its people. With close to 100 volunteers contributing across governance, the Butterflies Op Shop, and direct hospice support, the organisation is truly powered by community spirit. These volunteers play an essential role in creating a warm, compassionate environment for patients and their families.
Despite this incredible support, Hospice faces an ongoing challenge familiar to many community organisations — what Jackie describes as the “funding gap.” Each year, around $800,000 must be raised to cover operational costs not funded through government or private health contributions. This is where the community becomes critical, through donations, events, bequests and everyday support.
Lincolns’ connection with Albany Community Hospice goes well beyond money raised through our participation in fundraising and our workplace giving program. It is shaped by the experiences and involvement of our people over many years. Several of our team members have supported Hospice personally — through volunteering, participating in fundraising initiatives like Spinathon, or walking alongside family and friends who have received care. These shared experiences have built a deep and genuine connection, reinforcing our commitment to supporting Hospice and the vital role it plays in our community.
The organisation continues to lead the way in palliative care, with recent achievements including industry awards, workforce development initiatives, and innovations that are being recognised beyond the local community. Their commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care is evident in everything they do.
For those looking to get involved, Hospice welcomes community support in many forms — whether through volunteering, donations, fundraising or leaving a bequest. Every contribution helps ensure this essential service continues to support individuals and families across our region.
