When a child stays at the Sister Margaret Noone Hospice at Very Special Kids House they can have access to a selection of fun, engaging and therapeutic activities. One of the most exciting additions  is our very special hydrotherapy pool! While sessions in the water bring many benefits for symptom management, ultimately, time spent in the pool is all about making memories and having fun. Aquatic physiotherapy can foster a sense of freedom; increase independence; reduce stiffness and tension; offer...

Written by very special sibling Chantelle. Having a special needs sibling, is exactly as it says...special. There’s no denying that it’s been hard, it’s been stressful and it’s been a battle over the years, but it is the most rewarding and precious path life could’ve given our family. Bailey, my brother, is quadriplegic, non-verbal and fully wheelchair bound. He has faced battle after battle and come out on top every time. Many times we’ve sat by his side and said...

Darren took up painting around the time his first child, a baby girl named Macey, was born. A proud Murri man from Charleville in southwest Queensland, Darren’s early schooldays and books on Dreamtime stories, combined with a move to Melbourne, where he connected with his cultural brothers and sisters, grew his interest in his Aboriginal culture and background. Self-taught, his paintings would often feature many characters from Dreamtime stories; the Goanna, the Honey Ant, the Moth – “just stuff that...

Like with any home, the children and young people who come for respite at our hospice enjoy calling dibs on their favourite bedroom. There will be one more drawcard to consider when choosing a room at the soon-to-open Sister Margaret Noone Hospice at Very Special Kids House, with each bedroom assigned a unique indigenous illustration of an animal. Next to each animal will be its name in Woi wurrung. Woi wurrung is the language of the Wurundjeri-willam people of the...

Art can inspire children and young people to explore, imagine and expand their perception of reality. It is a tool that not only sparks joy, but also provides deep connection to culture. Very Special Kids collaborated with renowned First Nations artist Reko Rennie to create a captivating sculpture for the hospice’s central courtyard – the heart of Very Special Kids House. Inspired by Australian wildlife and his Kamilaroi heritage, the artwork will feature a flock of silhouetted native birds, suspended...

Last month, Team Very Special Kids member, Sarah, braved the cold weather to take on the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, raising more than $1,300 for Very Special Kids. Reflecting on the big day Sarah shares: “The run on Sunday was an incredible experience. Not only did I get to challenge myself physically, but knowing that every step I took was helping children and families in need made it even more meaningful. It was a beautiful day, and the support...

On Friday, more than 800 individuals teamed up for the Very Special Kids 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge. The atmosphere was electric in the marquee – colourful costumes, live entertainment and former AFL stars motivated participants as they took on 24 hours of treadmill motion for 24-hour respite and end-of-life care. We are thrilled to announce we have raised more than $700,000! Thank you to each and every participant, team captain and donor for their support. You have helped to provide 24-hour care for...

On Friday, Melbourne’s cycling community unleashed their competitive streak for the sixth annual Autumn Classic, raising over $162,000! The stakes were high as riders raced to the finish line in the virtual cycling challenge as they raised much-needed funds for the children, young people and families in our care. https://youtu.be/L2A1lNPlGf4 Congratulations to Grupetto, who topped the leaderboard on 105 points, with a strong racing and fundraising effort to take out the win. Second and third place went to bakpocket (89...

Emily and Olivia can be just like any sisters. Rivals one minute, then best friends the next. They do everything together and share a special bond. But there’s another kind of connection these two little girls share… Six-year-old Emily and four-year-old Olivia both live with a life-limiting condition. It is already beyond belief how a family can cope with one child who has a life-limiting condition. Having two children diagnosed with serious illness is unimaginable. But for Emily and Olivia’s...

We’d like to say a very special thank you to the hospice volunteers who have stood by our side during the rebuild of Very Special Kids House. They provided invaluable support at our temporary space at Monash Children’s Hospital, and will continue to be there when we open the doors to our new home. In appreciation of this dedication, we hosted a dinner and hospice tour to give our volunteers a sneak peek of the facility they will soon be...