$21 million brings Sandcastles closer to opening.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
$21 million brings Sandcastles closer to opening.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
We’re proud to share a major milestone for Sandcastles (Boodja Mia), WA’s first children’s hospice.
More than $20 million in operational funding has now been committed by the WA Government to our clinical operations partner, the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS), ensuring the hospice will be ready to open its doors and provide 24/7 specialist care to families soon after construction is completed later this year.
Importantly, Sandcastles will also deliver outreach and family support services for families across WA, no matter where they live.
A powerful moment on site.
Earlier this month, we were honoured to welcome special guests to the Sandcastles site for the official announcement of this vital operational funding. Attendees included Premier the Hon. Roger Cook, Health Minister the Hon. Meredith Hammat, Health Infrastructure Minister the Hon. John Carey, CAHS Board Chair Dr Neale Fong, CAHS Chief Executive Valerie Buic, and PCH Head of Department, Palliative Care, Dr Lisa Cuddeford.
PCHF Chairman the Hon. Ian Campbell said the visit was a powerful reminder of the importance of the project.
“Welcoming leaders from across government and health services into this space was a powerful reminder of just how significant this project is for our state,” Mr Campbell said.
“This funding marks an important step in bringing compassionate, specialist care to WA kids and young people living with life-limiting conditions and their families.”
Premier Roger Cook said: “Sandcastles will make a profound difference for WA children and their families during some of the most challenging times of their lives. This $21 million funding commitment ensures the hospice will have the staff and resources it needs to open this year.”
Construction at Sandcastles is also progressing well in early 2026, with key structural works on the ground floor and basement complete, the hydrotherapy pool formed, and internal walls and ceilings underway.
In coming weeks, public art designed by respected Noongar elder Barry McGuire, will be installed on the building’s façade.
With the building expected to be complete by mid-year, PCHF is on track to raise the funds needed for the build and fit-out of Sandcastles.
However, PCHF’s role doesn’t stop there, with the Foundation also funding ongoing non-clinical support – moments of comfort, joy and connection for families staying at Sandcastles, including:
- Fun family activities and entertainment
- Community events and activities
- Experiences that make every stay as meaningful and memorable as possible
PCHF CEO Carrick Robinson said: “These moments create lasting memories, spark joy, and offer comfort during incredibly hard times. That’s why every dollar donated to experiences that go above and beyond for families truly matters.”
Learn more or donate: https://pchf.org.au/childrenshospice/
Sandcastles is funded by PCHF thanks to the generosity of partners including the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, Cancer Council WA (via a bequest from the late John Street), Minderoo Foundation, Lotterywest, the Australian Government, and the wider WA community.
We’re also grateful to the dedicated development team helping bring this vision to life, including Hassell, Hesperia, Encon, and West to West Group.
