150 years ago, a small group of determined South Australians dared to imagine something better for sick children and their families. This year, the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation (WCH Foundation) proudly celebrates that extraordinary legacy, marking 150 years of philanthropy, generosity and community spirit. What began as a grassroots fundraising effort has grown into one of South Australia’s most enduring and impactful movements of care.
A community that started with belief
On 5 September 1876, seven visionary women led by Lady Mary Colton joined Mary Ashley, a representative of the Church of Christ, and Dr Allan Campbell from the Board of Health to begin planning for the Adelaide Children’s Hospital. Together, they laid the foundations for a philanthropic movement that continues 150 years later.
Over the next two years, they led a community fundraising campaign to raise the £2,500 needed to build the first hospital building. Neighbour by neighbour, donation by donation, everyday South Australians answered the call.
The result was the Samuel Way Building, which opened with just 24 beds in 1879.
Over the decades that followed, the hospital grew steadily, always supported by a community that believed every child deserved the best possible care. In 1989, the Adelaide Children’s Hospital and the Queen Victoria Hospital amalgamated to become the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The Foundation was reborn as the organisation we know today: the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The mission set by those early visionaries still guides the WCH Foundation. And so does the philanthropy needed to support it.
150 years on
Over 150 years, community generosity has shaped this hospital in more ways than can be captured in a single story. Philanthropy has helped fund new buildings and life-saving equipment, supported families in crisis, advanced medical research, and brought programs and services to life that simply wouldn’t exist without donor support.
The impact of philanthropy can be seen throughout the hospital and beyond.
Children are supported not only through medical care, but through opportunities to play, learn, create and connect. Families receive support that extends beyond treatment through practical assistance, respite and wellbeing programs. Community generosity also fuels research and innovation, helping improve care today while building a healthier future for children and families across South Australia.
From hospital-wide bereavement care to creating a hospital built for children through play, literature and music, community generosity continues to create moments of comfort, connection and hope when they are needed most.
A year of impact
150 years on, the scale of collective generosity is extraordinary.
In the past year alone, the WCH Foundation community contributed almost $6 million to clinical care, patient experience, and medical research. Behind that figure are 11,431 donors and organisations who showed up for South Australia’s children and families this year.
That generosity shows up in tangible ways every day. Over the past year, more than 230 families received urgent financial assistance, covering costs that can be overwhelming in a moment of crisis. Over 130 Music Therapy sessions were supported, bringing comfort and healing through music for patients and their families. At the annual Family Gathering, more than 150 family members came together to honour and remember children and babies who have passed away, finding connection and support.
Community support is also advancing important research in neonatal recovery, rare diseases, parent-infant bonding and infant mental health, helping create a healthier future for some of South Australia’s most vulnerable children.
Celebrating a legacy of generosity
To mark this significant milestone, the WCH Foundation welcomed supporters, partners and philanthropic leaders to Government House for a special evening celebrating 150 Years of Philanthropy. Hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, the event reflected on a century and a half of generosity while recognising the individuals and organisations whose support has helped shape the lives of children and families across South Australia.
Through their generosity, advocacy and commitment, these supporters have helped drive innovation, strengthen family support services, enhance patient experiences and improve health outcomes for generations of children.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation 150 Years of Philanthropy Honorary Awards, recognising exceptional contributions to the Foundation, the hospital community and the children and families it serves.
The award recipients were:
Community Builder Award: SA Power Networks Employee Foundation
In recognition of 15 years of collective workplace generosity and community impact.
Community Ambassador Award: Ella and Jarrod Stratton
For courageously sharing their family’s journey of paediatric palliative care and inspiring others to help.
Partnership Innovation Award: Hospitals United for Sick Kids
For pioneering a collaborative partnership model that has transformed national retail fundraising for children’s hospitals across Australia.
Partnership Impact Award: BIG W
For an enduring and impactful community partnership, united by the generosity of employees, customers and leadership.
Philanthropy Partnership Award: Women’s and Children’s Health Network Paediatric Palliative Care Service
In recognition of an outstanding hospital team whose vision and collaboration has enabled philanthropy to deliver lasting impact and transform care.
Legacy of Giving Award: Natalie McConaghy (posthumous)
Awarded posthumously to honour significant lifetime giving, an extraordinary bequest, and a legacy advancing research into rare diseases.
Legacy of Care Award: Dr Pamela Wall AO
In recognition of a remarkable lifetime of care, generosity and enduring connection to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Lifetime Philanthropy Award: Frank Seeley AM & Kathy Seeley AM
For more than 25 years of generosity and unwavering commitment to supporting the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Spirit of Philanthropy Award: Marty and Michelle Roberts
In recognition of Cycle 4 Sam, inspiring generations of supporters and raising more than $1 million for paediatric palliative care and bereavement support.
Transformational Impact Award: Zena Winser
In recognition of a visionary gift that established the Allan Scott CF Research Laboratory, advancing research into cystic fibrosis and respiratory diseases.
Carrying 150 years forward
From seven visionary women raising £2,500 in 1876 to a community contributing almost $6 million in a single year, the story of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation has always been a story of people who care, giving what they can so that every child and every family has every chance.
The programs have grown. The research has advanced. The hospital has expanded. But at the heart of it all, nothing has changed: a community working hand in hand to ensure that no family faces the hardest moments of their lives alone.
As the WCH Foundation marks 150 years of philanthropy, that shared purpose is as strong as it has ever been. And we won’t stop until we can give every child every chance.
Want to be part of the next 150 years? Help transform healthcare for South Australia’s children and families by making a donation, becoming a monthly giver, or leaving a gift in your Will.
