The Western Australian government has announced a significant investment in Ronald McDonald House to further expand its support for regional families of children requiring medical care in Perth.
The investment, totalling $2.5 million in the 2024-25 State Budget, will go towards an extension and upgrade of Ronald McDonald House Charities’ premises at the QEII Medical Centre (QEII).
The business case for the expansion at QEII includes plans to add 100 rooms, which will significantly increase the facility’s capacity to assist sick children and their families from Western Australia.
Additionally, a $1.2 million grant from Lotterywest was presented to the charity by Premier Roger Cook and Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.
This grant will support the fit-out of the new Ronald McDonald House on Park at St Catherine’s College in Nedlands.
The new Ronald McDonald House on Park has partially opened to families starting from 15 April 2024.
This facility, along with the expanded guest rooms at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH), is part of Ronald McDonald’s efforts to provide no-cost accommodation for eligible families of children requiring extended medical treatment at nearby hospitals.
With this investment, Ronald McDonald now operates three facilities in Perth, including the expanded Ronald McDonald House at PCH and the Ronald McDonald House at QEII.
The expansion at QEII is particularly significant, with plans to triple its size from 47 rooms to 147 rooms. Ronald McDonald House on Park will progressively increase its capacity by 50 rooms.
WA Premier Roger Cook expressed his support for Ronald McDonald House, stating: “Ronald McDonald House truly is a home away from home for regional families whose children need treatment at Perth Children’s Hospital.”
WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson also praised the expansion, highlighting the importance of supporting families during difficult times.
Ronald McDonald House Charities WA CEO Peter King said: “With more families needing our essential services, the opening of Ronald McDonald House on Park comes at a crucial time.”
He also thanked the WA government, Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, and Lotterywest for their support.
Ronald McDonald House Charities WA provides supported accommodation, educational services, and opportunities for family respite, assisting over 2,000 Western Australian families each year.
