Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) officially launches in WA

A home away from home for our state’s sickest kids

An opening ceremony took place at WA’s first children’s hospice, Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) today, marking a major milestone for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. 

Following 21 months of construction, the $38.6 million project, led by Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF), will soon open the doors to welcome its first families. 

The ribbon was cut by ambassador parent Jules Lake and her daughter Téa, alongside Health Minister Hon. Meredith Hammat, PCHF Chairman the Hon. Ian Campbell AM and PCHF CEO, Carrick Robinson in front of close to 200 guests, including families, staff, government representatives, supporters, project partners and members of the local Swanbourne community.  

For the Lake family, Sandcastles will offer specialist care and support in a purpose-built environment specially designed to meet the needs of children with life-limiting conditions and their families. 

Jules’ daughter Téa has a rare, genetic condition called MIC-CAP, characterised by multiple daily seizures. Téa is one of only 20 people known to have the condition worldwide, and the only person in Australia.  

“Téa is a beautiful, funny, strong and determined young lady. Our life can look very different from most families, and we’ve become very familiar with hospitals, uncertainty and nights when you don’t know what the next morning will bring. 

“When we toured Sandcastles, what struck me was how different it felt from a hospital. While it has all the necessary facilities, it’s warm, bright, spacious and peaceful, and designed with the whole family in mind. 

“For families like ours, something as simple as a shower, a meal together, a sleep-in or a few hours without being on constant alert can make the difference between coping and not coping. 

“That’s exactly why Sandcastles is needed. Illness doesn’t wait for special occasions, and Sandcastles gives families another option – somewhere between home and hospital, where children can access expert medical care while families can still be families.” 

The seven-bed hospice is surrounded by natural bushland with sweeping views of Swanbourne Beach and has been designed to feel more like a home than a healthcare facility, with three family suites, shared kitchen and dining spaces, lounge areas, playrooms, a hydrotherapy pool, gardens, outdoor play spaces and a dedicated area for teenagers.  

Thoughtful design details include public façade artwork by Noongar Elder Barry McGuire, warm timber finishes, native gardens and locally sourced limestone.  

PCHF Chairman the Hon. Ian Campbell said: “This is a truly historic moment for Western Australia. Perth now has its first children’s hospice. 

“For families providing around-the-clock care for a child with a life-limiting condition, Sandcastles will offer something incredibly important: the chance to meet people who understand, to feel less alone, and to let someone else take on some of those all-consuming caring responsibilities, even for a little while. It will be a place where families can make memories together that last a lifetime, and, for some, a place where they may choose to spend their child’s final days. 

“It is an enormous honour and privilege to have played a part in creating a place that will make a real difference to the lives of children and families facing unimaginable challenges.”  

Clinically operated by the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS), Sandcastles will provide specialist care, symptom management and end-of-life care, alongside respite, family and bereavement support for children aged up to 18 and their families across WA, including those from metropolitan, regional and rural areas. 

Eligible families will be able to access Sandcastles entirely free of charge, with stays ranging from overnight visits to extended stays of up to three weeks. The first day visits and activity sessions will begin in coming weeks.  

Some of the 50 newly recruited staff who will work at Sandcastles joined families and guests at the launch, including the facility’s Clinical Nurse Manager, Nurse Practitioner, Family Support Coordinator and Chef. 

Also on site was Sandcastles’ resident black Labrador, Bella. Funded by Petbarn Foundation and specially trained over three years as a therapy dog, Bella will help children and families feel safe, settled and reassured during their stay. 

Almost 100 volunteers have been recruited and completed specialised training to support families, siblings and clinical staff, including during meals, play, activities, and outings. 

Funded by PCHF, Sandcastles has been made possible thanks to support from Cancer Council WA through a generous bequest from the late John Street, Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, the Australian Government, WA State Government, Lotterywest, Wesfarmers, the Minderoo Foundation and range of corporate, philanthropic and community supporters.  

Over the past six months, the WA community has also contributed a further $1 million in donations and in-kind support, including the Sandcastles Guest Bus from RAC, signage furniture and décor from the King Living Foundation, Innerspace, Montauk Lighting and Slumbercorp, signage from Swan Signage and whitegoods and TVs from Retravision. 

PCHF CEO Carrick Robinson said: “We simply couldn’t have made Sandcastles a reality without the incredible generosity of our donors. Importantly, their support goes beyond this incredible building. It also means families can enjoy experiences like music and art therapy, excursions, special events and shared meals, those moments that bring joy, connection and precious memories. 

“Today is just the beginning. We want every family who comes to Sandcastles to have the opportunity to enjoy these special moments together, and we will need ongoing support from the WA community so we can continue to provide these experiences, so families can focus on being together and making memories when they need it most.” 

Work on the adjoining Swanbourne Parkland, which will be open to the community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, is now underway and expected to be complete by the end of the year. 

Sandcastles has been delivered with the support of project partners including Hassell, Hesperia, Encon and West to West Group. 

To donate or learn more, visit sandcastles.org.au 

Ryan and the Nesbitt family during their tour of Sandcastles (Boodja Mia).