Greenspace officially open!
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Greenspace officially open!
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
A new $4 million nature-space at the QEII Medical Centre (QEIIMC) campus officially opened this February.
Located at the base of the Kids’ Bridge next to Perth Children’s Hospital, the upgraded space provides much-needed respite for staff and patients – particularly frequent and long-term patients and families – as well as opportunities for play, learning and discovery.
The project, which took approximately six months to complete, was made possible through funding from PCHF, thanks to the generous support of founding partner Rio Tinto, BIG W, and a number of community donors. In-kind support was supplied by BGIS and Hassell.
Inspired by the healing energy of Country, the new nature-space incorporates traditional and contemporary cultural themes into its design. The name – Waalbiirniny Waabiny Boodja – was developed by Noongar cultural advisors, Soft Earth. In Noongar language, Waalbiirniny means ‘to heal’, Waabiny means ‘to play’ and Boodja means ‘on Country’.
Featuring accessible play equipment and wide, flat accessible pathways throughout, Waalbiirniny Waabiny Boodja provides a rich, experiential space for play, recreation, relaxation, reflection, and respite that all users of QEIIMC can enjoy.
Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott said: “Getting outside in the fresh air and connecting with nature is so important and we are proud to be a part of this project.
“We are always looking for ways to support healthy, thriving communities near our operations, which is why we are delighted this space will benefit children and families from all over WA.”
In addition, Waalbiirniny Waabiny Boodja showcases a diverse range of plants native to Kings Park including banksia and eucalyptus, as well as native shrubs, grasses, groundcovers and mallees.
Soft Earth Cultural Advisor, Barry McGuire said: “The connection to Kings Park is because it’s where our great, great, great grandfather’s mother was born. There is a birthing ground up towards the top end of Kings Park, so our connection is strong in that way.
“Having a Noongar name – or a Whadjuk language name – here is important because the spoken word is purely about healing. It’s about finding your way through the land and finding a balance.”
“BIG W is delighted to be giving families an opportunity to have some play time outdoors during their stay at Perth Children’s Hospital. In our 20+ year partnership with PCHF, we want to ensure that the funds BIG W and our customers so generously donate go towards a positive experience when children need it most.” – Kate Langford, General Manager, Stores & Store Support.
Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF) Chairman the Hon. Ian Campbell said: “Thanks to the generous support of founding partner Rio Tinto, PCHF is absolutely thrilled to officially open Waalbiirniny Waabiny Boodja after six months of construction works. This major project has transformed what was previously a bare, grassed space with limited shade and seating into a world-class, healing nature-space.”
