Shirl's Place a sanctuary from breast cancer
Shirl’s Place is situated near the quiet country town of Rosevale in South East Queensland. The three bedroom cottage is on a 200 acre property owned by Madeleine Luck-Grillon and Kay Taaffe and started out as a one bedroom retreat they built for their good friend Ruth Ederle-Munger affectionately known as “Shirl” who was battling breast cancer. She loved the property and had been good friends with the previous owners and it was on her recommendation that Madeleine and Kay brought the property sight unseen and made the big move from Darwin NT to QLD.
Dedicated to Land for Wildlife, the property offers guest the opportunity to see wallabies, kangaroos and an abundance of bird life up close. You can watch the eagles flying over the bush land at the back of the property, ducks on the dam or the seven pet cows and two retired horses grazing the front paddocks.
Madeleine and Kay invite guests to stay at Shirl’s Place free of charge. It is offered to breast cancer survivors who are in need of a break from everyday life and the chance to relax and reenergise before facing the challenges of the busy world. They encourage women to leave their families at home for a few days and come alone or bring someone who is supportive, a friend, partner or carer. Women are sometimes too busy looking after everyone else and don’t take time out for themselves - Shirl’s place offers them that opportunity.
The verandahs offer spectacular views of the Scenic Rim in the Boonah Shire one and a half hours from Brisbane where you can sit and watch the sunset behind the mountains. The visitors-book holds testimony to the benefits Shirl’s Place offers “thank you for the peace and tranquillity I leave refreshed and thank the two angels on the hill” and “ I never knew such a place could exist, thank you for taking such good care of me. I have never known such peace”.
Whether it is the fresh country air the garden fresh veggies and salads or the simple fact that someone out there cares, Shirl’s Place is a haven that leaves people more positive and refreshed after their stay.
If you would like more information on Shirl’s Place Madeleine or Kay would be more than happy to answer your questions. Just phone 07 5464 9155.
See also archived article Heartbeat May 2007, Boonah page 10
