The co-founder of North Brisbane breast cancer charity Be Uplifted, Wendy Paterson, has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 Australia Day honours list.
Wendy, who was recognised for her service to community health, said the OAM was a tremendous honour.
“It’s incredibly humbling to know that the work I’ve done has had a positive impact on others,” she said. “It serves as a reminder and recognition of all the hard work and tireless planning that goes into building a wonderful, personalised charity that Be Uplifted Inc is today and acknowledges the importance of community and giving back.”
The Growth of Be Uplifted
Be Uplifted began as a small initiative with seven volunteers and has expanded to 119 volunteers, with fundraising events, market days and two op shops. The charity supports breast cancer patients across 11 hospitals in the Brisbane North and Moreton Bay regions, a journey Wendy described as “amazing.”
Among their support services, Be Uplifted provides free handmade breast prostheses, and drain bags and pillows for mastectomy patients and recently introduced an iPad program to assist chemotherapy patients complete hospital forms.
Wendy said the pressure of a breast cancer diagnosis, surgeries, treatments and ongoing medical issues faced by each patient was immeasurable.
“We’ve walked this journey with many patients, so they are not alone and know that they can rely on us for assistance,” she said.
Looking ahead, Be Uplifted hopes to expand to Brisbane’s southside and eventually become a nationwide organisation.
“It’s a big goal, but with the support of our incredible volunteers and partners, we’re moving in the right direction!” Wendy said.
Read more stories from the Chermside Guide’s print magazine here:
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Chermside Connect: Updates from the Community
- Be Uplifted Co-Founder Honoured With OAM
- Toombul Shopping Centre’s Redevelopment Plans Move Forward
- Boccia Players Aim for Gold, Bond For Life
- Margarita Masterclass Shakes Things Up Again
- The Benefits of Forest Bathing Yoga
- UpStage Theatre Unleashes The Hound of the Baskervilles
- The Rise, Rebranding and Integration of Kedron Shire
- The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation Says Sweet Goodbye to Ekka Sundaes
- Friends of Lutwyche Cemetery
- Fashique Runway 2025
- Step into Nature: Your Guide to Downfall Creek Bushland Centre
- Warehouse Cricket Secures Funding for New Facilities
- Aspley Rotary Expands Volunteer Opportunities
- SpikyPuffer
- Organic Gardening in March
