Children with life-limiting conditions helped leave a lasting mark on Western Australia's first children's hospice over the weekend, creating colourful glass artworks that will become part of the new Swanbourne facility.
Creative workshop brings families together
On Saturday, close to 30 families, volunteers, and children with life-limiting conditions participated in a creative workshop to help design a series of glass inserts for the hospice, called Sandcastles. Led by artists Sioux Tempestt and Julianne Wade, the workshop was described as an inclusive way for participants to create an ever-lasting piece of the hospice that will bring moments of colour, light and discovery for those that stay there.
Ms Wade said the artworks reflected Sandcastles as a place of care, protection, refuge and support for children with life-limiting conditions and the families who love them.
“The process was about creating a calm space where children and families could make side by side,” Ms Wade said. “The idea of a small holding place, or shelter, connects beautifully with the purpose of Sandcastles – a place where families can feel supported, protected and cared for.”
The pieces will now be transformed into eight circular printed-glass artworks for the north garden and nature play zone.
A home-like sanctuary by the sea
Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO Carrick Robinson said the artworks were part of Sandcastles’ broader commitment to creating a home-like sanctuary by the sea.
“Sandcastles will provide specialist respite, end-of-life care, family support and a State-wide bereavement service in a home-like coastal environment,” Mr Robinson said. “But this project is about more than the building. It is about creating a place where families can cherish precious time together, supported by care, comfort and dignity. The public art program helps bring that vision to life. It adds warmth, curiosity and authenticity to the space, helping Sandcastles feel less like an institution and more like a home.”
According to a PCHF spokesperson, construction of the hospice remains on track and is scheduled for completion later this year. Overlooking Swanbourne Beach, the hospice — called Sandcastles/Boodja Mia — will support children and their families from the time of diagnosis through to end-of-life care.
It will include seven-bed facilities, a bereavement suite, three family suites, therapeutic rooms, a hydrotherapy pool and family spaces. Other features will include a main kitchen, dining and living space, playrooms and an outdoor greenspace.
Funding and community support
Earlier this year, the foundation secured a $21 million funding boost from the State Government to help get the hospice up-and-running with costs associated with staffing for palliative care, while PCHF is responsible for funding construction, fit-out and ongoing non-clinical support. PCHF is still seeking donations to help fund the completion of the hospice, as well as its experiences, services, and family-centred environment.
“With over $35m in funding raised so far, and a further $200,000 in value in kind donations from WA businesses, the support of the community has been, and continues to be vital in creating an impact for generations to come,” a spokesperson said.
