3 minute read
James Griffin: DEAR Beaches COVERED. READERS
As a Member of Parliament representing a great community, there are some truly special projects that we get to work on together. In my first year of being elected, in 2017, I was committed to building Australia’s first hospice for young adults on the former Manly Hospital site.
In December last year, the $19.5 million project opened its doors to people across NSW. Already more than 40 young people and their families have made use of this outstanding service.
Manly and the Northern Beaches is the proud home to many unique things. We have one of the first surfing reserves in Australia, we have an iconic coastline and harbour but we also have a very proud history of being a location for amazing charities and services that not only support people in our community but families from right across Australia.
Our part of the world is home to the Royal Far West which for more than 100 years has been providing children and their families from the most remote parts of NSW with care and health support. We are home to Bear Cottage which is a hospice for young children and now, we have Australia’s first hospice for young adults.
Since its opening last December, the Manly Hospice has received more than 40 young people from across the Sydney and from as far away as Nowra, Orange, Dunedoo and Tweed Heads.
WHAT IS A HOSPICE?
The Hospice pretty much has hospital level care but, in a hotel, or resort style setting.
Located on the former Manly Hospital site, in close proximity to Bear Cottage, the service is for 15 to 24-year-old patients with life-limiting illness and offers respite care, symptom management, end-of-life care, and care coordination support in the transition from children’s to adult services.
Set amongst the bushland of North Head, it is a place that young people who have a life-limiting illness can go with their family, friends and loved ones to take a moment to rest and have round the clock support they usually wouldn’t get a home or elsewhere.
HOW DID IT GET BUILT?
The entire project cost $19.5 million. A wonderful Manly local, Kay Poche AO donated $6 million and the rest came from the NSW Government with a contribution from the former Federal
Government. The construction was done in under a year!
HOW CAN I SUPPORT IT?
If you’re looking for an organisation to support I strongly encourage you or your business to consider the Hospice. Not only does it help people from The Beaches, but indeed from across the state.
If you would like to discuss opportunities to support the Adolescent & Youth Adult Hospice through donations, volunteering, sponsorship and fundraising then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. The Hospice has a great team who can put together some great fundraising ideas.
Yours sincerely,
