In December 2024, we welcomed Verity Gobbett as the new CEO of the WCH Foundation as we farewelled Jane Scotcher, who now heads into retirement.

Verity has been instrumental in shaping the WCH Foundation in her position as Head of Mission, and is now poised to lead the organisation into an exciting new chapter driving even greater impact for women and children’s health in South Australia.

Verity has been a senior leader in the children’s health charity space for over ten years, and since joining the WCH Foundation in 2021 has completed a Masters of Business Administration.

She says, “Throughout my career, I have been passionate about improving the lives of children and families, first in the education and child development space, then through interactions with the child protection, disability and not-for-profit sectors.”

Verity has led the WCH Foundation’s program development and increased the level of impact, resulting in our largest year of financial contribution on record in 2024.

Personally, she also has a close connection with the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

She says, “The Women’s and Children’s Hospital has a special place in my heart. My 95-year-old grandmother was a nurse trainee at the Hospital and describes her time working at the Hospital as her happiest days.”

“My husband, Daniel, and I have two boys, and the Women’s and Children’s Health Network has also been a large part of our parenting journey, particularly as my eldest son is hearing impaired.”

“The mission of the Foundation deeply resonates with me, and I am excited about continuing to contribute to its vital work.”

The WCH Foundation Board conducted a rigorous search process for the new CEO, attracting more than 80 candidates, and Verity was delighted to receive the call to say that she had won this new position.

She says, “It has been an incredible journey to get to this point, and I am deeply honoured to continue contributing to the organisation I have had the privilege of growing with for the past few years.”

“The role represents a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children and families in the community of which I am a part of.”

“I am at a point in my career where I am prepared and energised to take on a leadership role of this magnitude, using the skills and knowledge I have accumulated under the leadership of our former CEO, and mentor, Jane Scotcher, to guide the Foundation toward even greater success.”

Looking forward, Verity is excited about planning for the future of the WCH Foundation.

She says, “My commitment to our mission remains unwavering: to drive impact, foster a culture of collaboration, and continue to lead with integrity. I am excited to work alongside an amazing leadership team, our talented employees, and our valued supporters to shape the next chapter of the WCH Foundation’s success.”

“As CEO, I plan on elevating our important role in the community both as the principal charity partner of the Women’s and Children’s Health Network, but also, as a philanthropic leader in South Australia partnering for healthier futures for women, children and families.”

“We are at a pivotal moment in our journey, and I truly believe that the best is yet to come.”

“I invite you to join us in chasing a healthier future with all our might.”

Becoming a parent is a life-changing journey filled with joy, challenges, and endless learning. However, it can also be a time when mental health risks are heightened.

Recognising the need to support parents during this critical period, Dr. Sarah Hunter, of Flinders University and Preventive Health SA, along with a team of researchers across academia and healthcare, established the Caring for Caregivers project, which was supported by the WCH Foundation through a 2023 Health Translation SA Medical Research Future Fund Catalyst Grant.

The project aimed to develop and test a wellbeing program tailored to parents and carers as they make the transition to parenthood. It was co-designed with Child and Family Health Services (CaFHS) staff and users, underpinned with tailored evidence-informed content. This collaborative approach ensured that the program was responsive to real-world needs whilst ensuring effectiveness.

Research shows that parents often hesitate to seek mental health or wellbeing support, fearing stigma or judgment. Yet, the wellbeing of parents is strongly linked to the health and development of their children. By empowering parents to prioritise their mental health, the program aimed to create a ripple effect, benefiting entire families. Existing antenatal classes and CaFHS parent groups were an ideal opportunity for the team to test their idea, ensuring it was practical to include, while also being acceptable to parents and carers.

A strengths-based program

The 1-2 hour sessions, delivered through antenatal classes at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and at existing CaFHS parenting groups, used a strengths-based approach. This meant that the program focused on what could support parents to feel better, rather than on what might be causing them distress.

The program included content focusing on:

Real impact, in the real-world

The Caring for Caregivers project is now complete, having been delivered to over 70 families across three different sites. Seven sessions were delivered as part of the CaFHS parenting groups in one metro site and one country site.

The Caring for Caregivers session was delivered as the third week of the parenting group, allowing time for parents and facilitator to establish relationships and trust. A further four Caring for Caregivers sessions were delivered as an optional and additional antenatal class at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Feedback was very positive, with parents and staff finding the content and resources provided acceptable. Importantly, parents and carers had open and honest conversations about mental health, much more than is usually the case in these settings. This highlights the program’s potential to reduce stigma and empower parents to seek help when needed.

Dr Hunter says, “This project was amazing to be part of. Through true collaboration, we were able to bring evidence to the frontline to help parents in their own mental health and wellbeing.”

“To see that the program was engaging and resonated for parents was incredible. I cannot wait to see this program implemented more broadly.”

Dr Hunter and the team hope that in future this content might be sustained within antenatal and early parenting education in order to lay a strong foundation for the future health and happiness of families.

Through partnerships and needs-driven research like this, the WCH Foundation continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women, children, and their families. Your support can help ensure more projects like Caring for Caregivers become a reality.

Self-care tips for parents and carers, from Caring for Caregivers project lead, Dr Sarah Hunter

Take a break. Taking a moment to yourself for a quiet cup of tea or a short walk can fill your cup, making it easier to cope through the busier times.

Be kind to yourself. Show yourself the same compassion you might show a friend when they are going through a similar experience.

Take care of your physical health. Eating nutritious food and getting some exercise is great for your body and mind. Keep it simple – try snacks such as fruit, nuts, or yoghurt, and try parking a little further from your destination.

We are proud to support Dance Movement Therapy for mothers at Helen Mayo House, a Women’s and Children’s Health Network facility that provides inpatient services for parents who have significant mental health problems in the postnatal period.

Mothers experiencing mental health problems can experience difficulties in bonding with their babies and regulating both their own, and their baby’s, emotions.

Dance Movement Therapy is evidence-based, trauma-informed and strengths-focused. The psychosomatic therapy uses creative movement and arts-based therapeutic interventions for regulation and expression of emotions through motion.

Mums can engage in joyful, spontaneous play, making sessions a powerful tool to get to the heart of issues in a simple and direct way, as well as being accessible even for those who are struggling to engage in talk therapy.

Movements used in these sessions develop regulation, and co-regulation between mother and baby, which supports optimal emotional and cognitive development for infants.

Expressive movements are used as a way of nonverbal communication and help to connect to self and others, as well as creatively explore skills like attachment in a supported and safe space.

Tanya Voges with women shown representing Dance Movement Therapy participants.

Tanya Voges with women shown representing Dance Movement Therapy participants.

Tanya Voges is a Creative Arts Therapist who specialises in Dance Movement Therapy and who runs these group sessions at Helen Mayo House twice a week.

She says, “I’ve developed this program to meet the needs of parent and infant in an acute perinatal unit, using movement and music to support regulation and connection.”

Sessions differ from non-therapeutic dance as there isn’t planned choreography or a specific structure needing to be met, they are led by the mood of the group.

Tanya holds a safe space for mums, providing co-regulating movement to songs, so that they can experience regulation and work towards co-regulation with their babies. It is a ‘yes’ environment where there are no wrong ways of participating.

A session could consist of checking in with mums at the beginning and trying to create connections between the group, warming mums up to movement by starting with some art, and then working up to dance movement.

Tanya showing what a Dance Movement Therapy session can look like.

Tanya showing what a Dance Movement Therapy session can look like.

Preliminary observations have indicated positive benefits of Dance Movement Therapy, with staff at Helen Mayo House noticing that mums appreciate having different ways to approach therapy such as this.

Tanya says that, upon discharge from Helen Mayo House, mums have expressed how helpful their sessions have been, and some have even enquired about continuing to engage with Dance Movement Therapy.

In partnership with the Women’s and Children’s Health Network, we’ve worked together with Asian women and midwives to develop culturally safe education materials and perineal/post-birth care bundles.

Research shows that Asian women can face specific challenges during childbirth, including birth-related tears and infections.

This initiative aims to ensure that Asian women feel understood, supported and confident in their care, empowering them to have a positive birth experience.

Shirley Qianyin Chen, WCHN Midwifery Educator, with some products from the care bundles.

Shirley Qianyin Chen, WCHN Midwifery Educator, with some products from the care bundles.

Asian women planning a birth at the WCH will receive a specially designed perineal care/post-birth care bundle, including culturally appropriate postpartum care products such as firm underwear, a perineal cleaning bottle, cooling pads and maternity pads.

They will also have access to educational videos produced in five languages, which help prepare them for birth, and targeted education is being rolled out for maternity care providers.

This project has been funded by the remarkable fundraising efforts of Adelaide’s Vietnamese community, who came together to raise funds in recognition of the care received at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital by so many mothers and babies.

In a significant leadership transition, the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation (WCH Foundation) announced the retirement of its long-serving CEO, Jane Scotcher, and the appointment of Verity Gobbett, the WCH Foundation’s current Head of Mission, as its new CEO, effective 20 December 2024.

After an extraordinary 50-year career in healthcare, Jane leaves behind a legacy of compassion, integrity, and tireless dedication to advancing community health and wellbeing. Verity, who has been instrumental in shaping the WCH Foundation’s mission, will now take the helm, poised to lead the organisation into an exciting new chapter of innovation and impact for women and children’s health in South Australia.

Reflecting on her career, Jane shared, “I have had a privileged career, from my foundation learning in nursing to management roles in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors which I loved. My key lessons include being honest with yourself, bringing kindness and compassion into the workplace, and understanding the importance of balance.”

“As a CEO, building a strong team and fostering a positive culture are crucial for achieving the best results and I am proud of what I have been able to achieve with the talented team here at the WCH Foundation.”

Jane’s tenure at the WCH Foundation has been marked by her dedication to building relationships and impacting the community statewide, emphasising the importance of equity and access to healthcare. She has strongly advocated for a holistic approach to family health and wellbeing that aligns with the Women’s and Children’s Health Network’s vision for healthy communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Jane reflects that her proudest achievements as CEO include founding the Laklinyeri Beach House in 2019, South Australia first purpose-built holiday home for families of children with complex medical needs or in palliative care, and doubling the WCH Foundation’s investment into health and medical research in 2023 by establishing the Bloom Research Program to tackle priority areas of maternal and paediatric health.

Jane thanks the WCH Foundation Board for their incredible leadership and support throughout her time.

WCH Foundation Chair, Michael Luchich, in return expressed his gratitude to Jane, stating, “We thank Jane for her dedication and exemplary leadership of the WCH Foundation. Her unwavering commitment and passion have been instrumental in driving our mission forward. I have been fortunate to work with her for the past 5 years, witnessing firsthand her ability to inspire and lead with integrity and compassion.”

“Jane’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the WCH Foundation and the community we serve. We wish her the very best in her future endeavours and are confident that her legacy will continue to inspire us all.”

The Board, which conducted a rigorous search process attracting more than 80 candidates, expressed confidence that Verity’s leadership will continue to drive the WCH Foundation’s vision forward, ensuring a lasting impact on the families it serves.

Michael said, “We are excited to welcome Verity Gobbett as the new CEO. Verity, currently the WCH Foundation’s Head of Mission, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the role.”

“Verity’s ability to build strong relationships and her innovative approach to addressing complex challenges will undoubtedly drive the WCH Foundation forward in its mission to support the health and wellbeing of women, children and families across South Australia.”

Verity said, “The opportunity to lead the WCH Foundation, which plays such a crucial role in making a difference in the lives of children and families, is both a privilege and a responsibility, and one that I am proud to accept.”

“The organisation has achieved so much in recent years. Last financial year we celebrated our largest year of impact on record, and I am confident that with the guidance of our Board, our amazing team, and our community, we will continue on our trajectory for even greater success.”

At our Golden Hearts Bequest Society event in October, our supporters heard from two families with lived experience of chronic pain, as well as Dr Nicki Ferencz, Service Lead for the Women’s and Children’s Health Network Paediatric Chronic Pain Service (PCPS).

The WCH Foundation supports the PCPS through funding for their Comfort Ability Program and Peer Education Program.

Dealing with chronic pain

In Australia, 1 in 5 young people are impacted by chronic pain, like Kate and Michaela.

Kate has had a constant headache for over three years.

She says, “It’s so much more than just the actual pain you’re experiencing. It has such a significant impact on mental health, sleep, relationships with friends and family, and obviously school attendance and keeping up with education. It affects every aspect of your life.”

Kate recalls that in one school report, it was recorded that she had just a 4% attendance rate.

“The amount of effort and energy required to complete a day of school with chronic pain was an impossible task.”

Michaela has been dealing with chronic abdominal pain for over ten years, experiencing constant cramps, nausea and pain. She estimates that she missed three or four years of her schooling.

She says, “It’s very, very difficult to explain to somebody what it’s like. When you say you have a tummy ache, they say, ‘Just take a Panadol, you’ll be right.’ Nobody understands.”

Dr Nicki Ferencz.

Dr Nicki Ferencz.

The Paediatric Chronic Pain Service

Dr Nicki Ferencz explains, “What we know about managing chronic pain is that it takes a team of individuals to help somebody recover. We need our wonderful doctors, psychologists and physiotherapists working together in a team approach.”

“When I talk to families, the number one piece of feedback that I receive is that healthcare works well when it is collaborative and coordinated.”

To support this amazing work of the PCPS, the WCH Foundation provides funding for two of their important initiatives – the Comfort Ability Program and the Peer Education Program.

The Peer Education Program is a series of educational video resources that assist with helping students to better manage chronic pain whilst at school, and are delivered by people who understand, like Kate and Michaela.

The Comfort Ability Program is a one-day workshop, run throughout the year to help young people and their parents manage chronic pain and build comfort skills. It focuses on strategies for improving function, sleep, school attendance and overall mental health and wellbeing.

Kate says, “For the longest time, I was trying to get rid of my pain. I was so desperate to find something that would give me relief. The biggest thing that happened when I did the Comfortability Program was that I had a complete mindset change. I realised that I shouldn’t be trying to find ways to get rid of my pain. I need to be trying to find ways to manage and live with my pain.”

Kate and her mum, Tracy.

Kate and her mum, Tracy.

A lasting impact

After thinking she wouldn’t be able to complete high school because of her pain, Kate is about to graduate.

She says, “Thanks to Nicki and the team, I will be making it through, which is a real achievement.”

“The PCPS has honestly been a lifesaver, and I don’t say that lightly.”

“I still have the same pain that I did three years ago, but we’ve found ways to modify my lifestyle. It honestly doesn’t really affect me anymore.”

Michaela finished year 12 with a fantastic result and is now studying to be a vet nurse.

She says, “I still deal with chronic pain, but it’s definitely nowhere near as bad. I can’t thank the team enough. It wouldn’t be like that if it wasn’t for them.”

Michaela and her mum, Michelle.

Michaela and her mum, Michelle.

Our community’s support

Funding these kinds of programs wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community, including our Golden Hearts Bequest Society – a group of kind-hearted supporters who have made the decision to leave a gift in their Will to the WCH Foundation.

To learn more about leaving a lasting legacy, contact our Gifts in Wills team on 08 8464 7900 or send us a message.

Learn more

 

The Roberts family have been generous, dedicated and inspiring fundraisers for the WCH Foundation since 2006 with their Cycle 4 Sam community.

Cycle 4 Sam is inspired by Marty and Michelle Roberts’ son, Sam, and the incredible legacy they have created since he sadly passed away in 2005, just before his fifth birthday, from a very rare, neurological degenerative condition called Niemann-Pick Disease Type C.

Since then, the Roberts family have supported families like theirs who are going through the challenges of having a sick child in hospital.

The Roberts family at the first Cycle 4 Sam fundraiser in 2006, and then at their most recent nearly 20 years later.

The Roberts family at the first Cycle 4 Sam fundraiser in 2006, and then at their most recent nearly 20 years later.

This year, they held a Spring Challenge, encouraging the community to take on their own personal challenge and raise vital funds for families who need it most.

Participants could break a habit, take on a fitness challenge, or try their hand at something new or unique.

There were so many amazing challenges this year, such as:

Sam Roberts

Sam Roberts.

Thanks to the efforts of each and every fundraiser, the Cycle 4 Sam community reached an incredible milestone of $1 million raised to help women, children and families supported by the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

With a particular focus on supporting families under the care of the Paediatric Palliative Care Service, these funds in the past have supported things like Art Therapy, the construction of the Sam Roberts Family Care Room, and support for our Laklinyeri Beach House.

Now, the Sam Roberts Family Fund will also contribute to the Alongside: Grief and Loss Program, a new initiative aimed at providing bereavement care and support for families experiencing the loss of a child.

Michelle and Marty say, “Sam would be very proud.”

Celebrating this incredible milestone.

Celebrating this incredible milestone.

 

Professor Geoffrey Davidson, the founding head of Gastroenterology at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and an Emeritus Professor of the Discipline of Paediatrics at the University of Adelaide, was a leader in the field of paediatric healthcare. His passing in 2020 marked the loss of a remarkable clinician-researcher whose contributions transformed the health outcomes of children around the globe.

With a medical and research career that spanned decades, Professor Davidson’s work has had a lasting impact, both nationally and internationally. He was part of the team of researchers who discovered Rotavirus, a viral cause of severe diarrhoea in infants and young children. Until the early 2000s, Rotavirus remained a major cause of gastroenteritis in children under five worldwide. The discovery of this virus led to the development of a life-saving vaccine, which has since significantly reduced illness, hospitalizations, and deaths among young children across the world.

In addition to this groundbreaking work, Professor Davidson was a pioneer in the development of breath hydrogen testing for sugar malabsorption in children. His innovative research not only advanced the understanding of gastrointestinal disorders in children but also improved diagnostic methods, offering families new avenues for treatment and care.

To celebrate and carry forward his extraordinary legacy, the Geoffrey Davidson Gastroenterology Research Development Fellowship was established in his honour. Each year, the Fellowship supports research development activities in non-medical staff working in Gastroenterology at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

The creation of this Fellowship was made possible through the love and support of Professor Davidson’s wife, Marnie, as well as the generosity of his family, friends, and colleagues. Their commitment ensures that clinicians and researchers can continue to publish their work, share discoveries, and stay informed about the latest advances in paediatric gastroenterology. By supporting the development of future clinicians and researchers, this Fellowship allows Professor Davidson’s influence to endure, fostering new breakthroughs and leading healthcare that will positively impact on children’s health.

The 2024 fellow is a nurse practitioner in the Gastroenterology Department of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital since 1999, who was personally selected for her role by Professor Davidson himself. Helen Jurgens (pictured above with Marnie Davidson), who is in the process of becoming a dedicated IBD nurse practitioner, will be using the fellowship to support her attendance at the 2025 Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) conference, where she hopes to enhance her knowledge of new and contemporary practice in IBD management.

Helen shared her gratitude for the opportunity:

“Despite not being part of our Gastroenterology team for several years, Geoff is still spoken of often with much respect and fondness. He was a wonderful, inspirational, and supportive mentor, and I feel very grateful and privileged to receive this fellowship in his honour.”

Professor Davidson’s legacy is one of discovery, dedication, and compassion for the health of children. His life’s work has touched countless lives, and through the Geoffrey Davidson Fellowship, his contributions will continue to inspire and shape the future of paediatric gastroenterology for many years to come.

Download our Gut Bug Activity Sheet, with art by Wendy Dixon-Whiley, to inspire your mini-scientist (or artist)!

Download activity sheet

Share your masterpiece with us 

Geoffrey Davidson Gastroenterology Research Development Fellowship rounds will be advertised on our Research Funding Opportunities page.

 

The staff and customers of BIG W have been long-time supporters of the WCH Foundation. This festive season, they’re helping spread cheer to women, children and families cared for by the Women’s and Children’s Health Network in a number of ways.

Find out how you can get involved!

Wrapping paper and tokens in store

Next time you head into your local BIG W store, keep an eye out for opportunities to support families.

Purchase a roll or two of BIG W’s new charity wrapping paper, featuring drawings from children’s hospital patients from across Australia! There are a few designs to choose from for $5 each.

On your way through the checkout, pick up a $2 token. Designed by Women’s and Children’s Hospital patients, these tokens can either be taken home to be hung on your own tree, or added to the in-store display.

Both options will see 100% of proceeds from South Australian stores being donated to the WCH Foundation.

Wrapathon

Join BIG W in a world-record attempt with their BIG W Wrapathon!

On Saturday 7 December, 10am-4pm,  they’ll be hosting Australia’s biggest wrapathon by wrapping gifts for customers throughout the day. For a donation to the WCH Foundation, you can save yourself the hassle of wrapping presents and get one of the friendly staff members or volunteers at your local BIG W to take it off your hands.

Bringing the holidays to the Hospital

Patients and families will also get to experience the holiday spirit during their visit to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital thanks to the team at BIG W.

They’ll be decorating Christmas trees in the lobbies of the Hospital, and are sending their good buddy, Santa, for a visit to patients on Christmas Eve before he starts his trip around the rest of the world.

Thank you so much BIG W for spreading such BIG cheer this festive season!

Find my closest store

 

We celebrated the amazing work of our Play Therapists at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and what a fun-filled day it was!

Play Therapy is so much more than just fun and games – it provides emotional support for patients and families, helps children feel safe and provides distraction to minimise stress, fear, and anxiety.

L: Creating the window mural. R: A decorated hospital buddy.

Our Play Therapy Team hosted an action-packed day full of creative activities that highlight the importance of Play Therapy, including:

Making pizza at the playdough station.

Thanks to the amazing Play Therapists for creating such a fun day for patients and families!

The Play Therapy Program is supported by the WCH Foundation Arts in Health Program.

Our Play Therapy team! L-R: Mary, Linda, Marisa, Wendy, Chelsea, Angelika, Olivia and Eileen.

The Play Therapists! L-R: Mary, Linda, Marisa, Nadia, Chelsea, Angelika, Olivia and Eileen.

Learn more about Play Therapy

 

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