AUSTRALIA — Regional Western Australian families with children requiring medical care in Perth now have greater access to free accommodation with the opening of a new Ronald McDonald House facility.
Ronald McDonald House on Park, officially opened today, adds 50 rooms to the existing services, nearly doubling the total capacity for families with children receiving treatment at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) and King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH).
The Western Australian government has made significant contributions to this expansion through $9.6 million for the project, $1.2 million Lotterywest grant for fit-out, and $2.5 million in the 2024-25 State Budget for a business case to consider expanding the Ronald McDonald House at QEII by 100 rooms.
Additionally, the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation has pledged a $6 million donation over the next five years.
Ronald McDonald House on Park, located at St Catherine’s College in Crawley, began welcoming families in April and is now fully operational.
This new facility complements two existing locations in Perth, including the Ronald McDonald House at PCH (expanded by 14 rooms) and Ronald McDonald House at the Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre (QEII).
Together, these facilities help on average more than 2,000 Western Australian families annually, providing no-cost accommodation and services for eligible families requiring extended medical treatment.
Premier Roger Cook expressed pride in the government’s support for this project, stating: “These new premises more than double the total capacity of Ronald McDonald House Charities to provide free accommodation for children who require extended treatment at PCH or KEMH.”
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson highlighted the crucial role of Ronald McDonald House, stating: “Ronald McDonald House is a crucial support service for those needing to travel to Perth from the regions.”
Peter King, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities WA, emphasised the importance of this expansion: “The opening of Ronald McDonald House on Park is a critical milestone in our journey to realising our goal, that no family in Western Australia who needs us is turned away.”
This expansion represents a significant step in supporting regional families during challenging times, providing a “home away from home” while their children receive necessary medical care in Perth.
