Cystic Fibrosis Queensland

Happy Queensland Day!

Today, we celebrate the spirit, strength and community that make Queensland such a special place to call home.

At Cystic Fibrosis Queensland, we are proud to support and advocate for people living with cystic fibrosis and their families across Queensland. From Far North Queensland to the Gold Coast and everywhere in between, we are inspired every day by the resilience of our community and the dedication of those who help make a difference.

Wishing everyone a happy and memorable Queensland Day.

New research has found that immune cells called macrophages, which help fight infection, may not work as effectively in people with cystic fibrosis when it comes to tackling Mycobacterium abscessus (MABS) – a difficult-to-treat lung infection.

While Trikafta has transformed health outcomes for many people with CF, this study found it did not improve macrophages' ability to kill MABS bacteria.

Researchers say the findings highlight the need for new approaches to help the immune system fight these serious infections and improve outcomes for people living with CF.

Read more: https://cysticfibrosisnewstoday.com/news/cf-immune-cell-defects-may-help-dangerous-bacteria-survive/

This is your sign to make physio a lot more fun!

Our Bounce 2 Breathe program is back, and we're giving away FREE 10-foot trampolines to our members with children aged 14 years and under living with cystic fibrosis.

Even better? If you've received a trampoline from us before and it's now seen better days, you may be eligible for a replacement. We've recently received an influx of trampolines, so we're excited to help more families keep bouncing!

Why trampolines? Because they can help support airway clearance while making treatment time a little more fun and a lot more active.

Queensland families can collect their trampoline from the Cystic Fibrosis Queensland Bookshop. ACT members, please contact us to enquire about delivery.

Ready to jump on this exclusive offer?

Email us on [email protected] to register your interest.

A recent review has highlighted the unique mental health challenges that can accompany major life decisions for people living with cystic fibrosis, including pregnancy and parenthood.

These findings reinforce the importance of programs like our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses (free for members and their families), which provide practical skills to recognise when someone may be struggling, offer support and connect them with appropriate help.

Researchers found that adults with cystic fibrosis considering parenthood often face concerns about fertility, long-term health, uncertainty about the future and balancing their own health needs with family responsibilities.

As more people with cystic fibrosis choose to start families, it's clear that emotional wellbeing deserves the same attention as physical health.

Whether you're living with cystic fibrosis, caring for someone who is, or supporting the cystic fibrosis community, MHFA can help create a stronger support network for everyone.

Upcoming course:
23–24 July 2026, Caloundra

Register your interest here: https://www.cfqld.org.au/mental-health-first-aid-mhfa-training-registration-form/

Read the article: https://cysticfibrosisnewstoday.com/news/cf-fertility-parenthood-brings-unique-mental-health-challenges/

Congratulations to Nikki C, the winner of the Calvin Klein Raffle at TerryWhite Chemmart Carina.

Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket and supported Cystic Fibrosis Queensland. Your generosity helps us continue providing support, services and advocacy for people living with cystic fibrosis and their families.

CFGAA's first ECFS meet up!

In Lisbon at the ECFS, Laura and Petrina met with fellow advocates Genevieve Handley, Domenique Zomer, Lea Goldberger, and Lucia Santos to strengthen connections between global CF advocates, sharing priorities and identifying opportunities to work together and learn from each other. Advocacy challenges often extend beyond national borders, and collaboration allows for amplification. If you are attending ECFS and interested in CF advocacy, we'd love to connect. www.cfqld.org.au

New research from the University of Queensland has uncovered why people living with cystic fibrosis remain vulnerable to serious lung infections, even with the most effective cystic fibrosis treatments currently available.

Researchers found that macrophages have several defects in people with cystic fibrosis. These cells play an important role in recognising, attacking and removing harmful bacteria. When they do not function properly, infections such as Mycobacterium abscessus can become much harder to fight.

The study also found that while therapies such as Trikafta have transformed cystic fibrosis care and improved lung health for many people, they do not restore this important immune function.

The findings highlight the need for continued research into new treatments that can better protect people with cystic fibrosis from dangerous infections.

This research is an important step towards understanding the ongoing challenges of cystic fibrosis and improving long term outcomes for the cystic fibrosis community.

Read more: https://news.uq.edu.au/2026-05-how-pac-man-cells-fail-prevent-deadly-infection-risk-people-cystic-fibrosis

Caring for someone you love is one of the most important roles a person can take on, yet many unpaid carers often go unrecognised.

The Queensland Government is currently reviewing the Carers (Recognition) Act 2008, and carers across the state are invited to share their experiences and help shape the future of carer recognition, support and advocacy in Queensland.

If you are an unpaid carer, your voice matters.

Carers Queensland is seeking feedback through:
• Community consultation sessions
• An online survey

As a thank you for participating in a consultation session, carers could receive a $50 gift card or may be eligible for the Enhance Care package, including a FREE Garmin watch valued at $480 (terms and conditions do apply).

Community consultation sessions will be held in:
• Rockhampton – 15 June
• Brisbane – 16 June
• Murgon – 17 June
• Townsville – 19 June

Whether you care for a family member living with cystic fibrosis or support a loved one in another caring role, this is an opportunity to help influence future recognition and support for carers across Queensland.

Learn more and have your say today.

Complete the survey: https://carersqld.com.au/for-carers/carer-recognition-act-survey/

Register for a consultation session: https://collections.humanitix.com/carer-recognition-act-community-consultations

Style it. Smile big. Support CF.

Styles & Smiles for CF is a refreshed fundraising campaign designed for preschools, schools, sporting clubs, workplaces and community groups.

Whether it’s bright colours, fun accessories, ribbons, braids or creative hairstyles, your community can make a real impact while having fun together.

The best part? You can hold your fundraiser at any time during the year.

Register now:
https://stylesandsmilesforcf.raiselysite.com/

A big thank you to everyone who participated in May to raise awareness and support people living with cystic fibrosis.

Throughout May, communities across Australia came together to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis. From taking on the challenge and making donations to sharing stories, hosting fundraisers and visiting landmarks lit up in red, every action helped shine a light on cystic fibrosis and the people affected by it.

We are incredibly grateful for the generosity, enthusiasm and commitment shown by our supporters. Together, you have helped raise awareness, strengthened our community and made a meaningful difference.

Highlights, photos and fundraising totals are still to come, so stay tuned!

Thank you for standing with the cystic fibrosis community and helping make this year's 65 Roses Month of May such a success.