Mounties Group has significantly increased its financial support to build the only children’s hospice in Western Sydney, boosting its contribution from $3 million to $13 million over 10 years via the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF).
The initial $3 million donation, committed through Mounties Care – a subsidiary of Mounties Group – to the GIANTS Foundation, is now part of a larger $13 million philanthropic pledge. This makes it the largest donation to children’s health in NSW history by a registered club.
The NSW government has also announced a $20 million contribution towards the build, taking the total confirmed funding to more than $33 million. This exceeds the $30 million target initially set by Mounties Care to bring the hospice project to life, and represents the largest single gift SCHF has ever received. The facility is also being developed with the support of the GWS GIANTS and the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (SCHN).
“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 Group CEO Dale Hunt said.
“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.”
The facility, to be built at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, will realise the vision of Rio’s Legacy, which was founded by Karen and Ryan Fowler in honour of their son Rio James Fowler, who lost his life to terminal illness at just 18 months old.
Mounties Care Cottage will be the second children’s hospice in NSW, offering a home-like environment where children can receive respite, symptom management, and end-of-life care.
While planning is still underway, Mounties Care Cottage will be inspired by Rio’s family’s experience at Bear Cottage in Manly. It will include recreational areas, gardens, quiet and communal spaces, playrooms, and a kitchen and dining area, as well as direct private access to nearby gardens and play areas.
“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,” NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said.
“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.”