SANDCASTLES OPENS AS WA'S FIRST CHILDREN'S HOSPICE
Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) opens as WA's first children's hospice.
Photo: D-Max Photography/West to West Group
Western Australia's first children's hospice, Sandcastles (Boodja Mia), has officially opened, marking a significant milestone for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
For these families, everyday moments that many of us take for granted – sharing a meal, enjoying time together or simply getting a good night's sleep – can be difficult to come by.
A new purpose-built children's hospice in Swanbourne is set to make those moments a little easier.
Officially launched on 8 October 2026, Sandcastles marks the culmination of almost eight years of planning, advocacy and community support.
The Stan Perron Charitable Foundation was the project's first donor, making its initial contribution in 2020 and providing further funding as the project progressed.
Led by Perth Children's Hospital Foundation, the $38.6 million facility has been made possible through the generosity of government, philanthropic and community partners.
When the Foundation first became involved, Western Australian families caring for children with life-limiting conditions had few options for respite and end-of-life care outside their own homes or hospitals.
Sandcastles addresses that longstanding gap, giving families greater choice, specialist support and a welcoming place to spend precious time together.
A place for care, comfort and connection
Nestled among natural bushland overlooking Swanbourne Beach, Sandcastles has been thoughtfully designed to feel more like a family home than a healthcare facility.
The seven-bed hospice includes seven rooms, plus three family suites, shared kitchen and dining spaces, comfortable lounges, playrooms, a hydrotherapy pool, gardens and outdoor play spaces.
The building's design draws on its coastal surroundings, bringing the outdoors in through natural materials, warm timber finishes, native landscaping and views of the ocean and surrounding bushland.
The design also considers the diverse cultural and spiritual needs of families, creating spaces where they can gather, find comfort and spend time together in ways that are meaningful to them.
Sandcastles will provide specialist palliative care, symptom management, respite and end-of-life care for children aged up to 18, alongside practical and emotional support for parents, siblings and other family members, including bereavement support.
For some families, it will provide an opportunity to take a break from the demands of caring for a child with complex medical needs. For others, it will offer a peaceful and supported environment in which to spend their child's final days.
Above all, it is intended to be a place where families can spend time together, supported by people who understand their circumstances.
Making everyday moments possible
Among those attending the opening were Jules Lake and her daughter Téa, who helped cut the ribbon to officially launch the hospice.
Téa lives with MIC-CAP, an extremely rare genetic condition characterised by multiple daily seizures. She is the only person in Australia known to have the condition.
Jules Lake and her daughter Téa, who helped cut the ribbon to officially launch the hospice.
Photo: Stephen Heath Photography
Speaking at the opening, Jules reflected on the difference Sandcastles could make to families like hers.
“When we toured Sandcastles, what struck me was how different it felt from a hospital. While it has all the necessary facilities, it’s warm, bright, spacious and peaceful, and designed with the whole family in mind.
“For families like ours, something as simple as a shower, a meal together, a sleep-in or a few hours without being on constant alert can make the difference between coping and not coping.
“That’s exactly why Sandcastles is needed. Illness doesn’t wait for special occasions, and Sandcastles gives families another option – somewhere between home and hospital, where children can access expert medical care while families can still be families.”
A long-held vision realised
The Stan Perron Charitable Foundation's early commitment to Sandcastles reflects its longstanding focus on improving the health and wellbeing of Western Australian children and young people.
Foundation Executive Chair Elizabeth Perron said it was wonderful to see the completed hospice after so many years of planning and development.
“When we were first approached about the children's hospice, we recognised how important it would be for families caring for children with life-limiting conditions to have somewhere other than home or hospital to turn to.
“It's wonderful to see Sandcastles finally become a reality. So much thought has gone into creating a place that feels like a home, where children can receive the care they need while families have the opportunity to spend precious time together.
“We are very pleased to have supported this project from the beginning and hope it will make a meaningful difference to families across Western Australia.”
Sandcastles will be clinically operated by the Child and Adolescent Health Service, with a team of specialist healthcare professionals and trained volunteers providing care and support.
Eligible families from metropolitan, regional and rural Western Australia will be able to access the service free of charge, with stays ranging from overnight visits to extended periods of up to three weeks.
While the opening marks the completion of the building, its real impact will be felt in the experiences of the children and families who spend time there – moments of comfort, connection, respite and joy, and the opportunity to make precious memories together.
The first day visits and activity sessions are expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Published: October 2026