New Paediatric Hospice Coming to Western Sydney
A new children’s hospice will be built in Western Sydney within The Children’s Hospital at Westmead to support children and young people with life-limiting illness and their families.
The Minns Labor Government will establish the hospice, the second of its kind in the state, to provide a home-like environment where children can receive respite, symptom management, and end of life care.
Located in Western Sydney, the geographical heart of Sydney, and situated within The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, the new hospice will be called “Mounties Care Cottage” and will support families from across NSW. The hospice is inspired by Sydney boy, Rio Fowler, and the work of Rio’s Legacy.
The Minns Labor Government will contribute more than $20 million. The Mounties Group will contribute $13 million over 10 years to the project, through Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation. The gift marks the largest, single contribution SCHF has ever received.
Rio was diagnosed with a rare and terminal condition called arterial vasculopathy disease at 16-months-old. Rio and his family spent time at the children’s hospice, Bear Cottage in Manly, part of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN), for end-of-life care before he died in 2018.
Following his death, Rio’s parents, Ryan and Karen founded Rio’s Legacy, a charity dedicated to supporting families and children with life-limiting conditions and advocating for services like Bear Cottage.
Mounties Care Cottage will provide spaces for families to connect and relax, including an onsite kitchen and dining area. It will have direct private access to nearby gardens and play areas.
It will also connect with other paediatric health services across The Children’s Hospital at Westmead campus, including oncology, neurology and intensive care, allowing patients access to efficient and patient centred care.
The new hospice will build on the comprehensive and supportive care Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN) offers through Bear Cottage and will offer care to families from across NSW.
As an additional service integrated into SCHN, Mounties Care Cottage will offer families an increased choice when facing life-limiting illnesses and navigating difficult healthcare periods for their loved ones.
Planning and design for the dedicated paediatric hospice is set to commence this year.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
“This is an incredibly important project for Western Sydney, which will provide a crucial support for children and their families from the local area, and beyond.
“Mounties Care Cottage in western Sydney will be an important part of this service network for children and families, offering increased choice for families across the state during what will be a very difficult time in their lives.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis:
“Providing this service here in Westmead will enable local families to be closer to extended family and support networks.
“As with all projects of this nature, local community input will be crucial in ensuring that the new hospice truly meets the needs of the people it is intended to support.”
Quotes attributed to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Chief Executive, Cathryn Cox PSM:
“It is a privilege to be able to offer a second dedicated paediatric hospice to support children, young people, and their families in their greatest time of need.
“We are committed to working closely with staff and families to create an environment where patients can enjoy time together with their loved ones while receiving the best possible care.”
Quotes attributed to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Kristina Keneally:
“Philanthropy plays a vital role in paediatric palliative care, supporting families beyond the clinical.
“Mounties Group’s $13 million gift – and Mike Baird joining SCHF as an ambassador for Mounties Care Cottage – show what’s possible when philanthropy, community and government come together.”
Quotes attributed to Mounties Group Chief Executive Officer, Dale Hunt:
“Mounties Group is so proud to continue its advocacy and support for Greater Western Sydney families with terminally ill children to access to specialist paediatric palliative care in their local area.
“Mounties Care Cottage will truly make a difference in these families’ lives by providing a peaceful environment where they can stay together as they go through these extremely difficult moments, close to the local creature comforts they love.”
Quotes attributed to Rio’s Legacy Founder, Ryan Fowler:
“For my wife Karen and I, our son Rio has always been our inspiration.
“As a bereaved father, championing these extraordinary children, their stories, and supporting families facing the unimaginable challenge of living with a child with a life-limiting illness has been the driving force behind our efforts. It’s truly humbling to witness the support of so many people coming together to bring such a place to life.
“We firmly believe that all children are fearfully and wonderfully made, and Mounties Care Cottage will be a place where children come to live and not just to die; to enjoy their beautiful lives no matter how short or long.”
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20250429_00.aspx