The brand-new playground at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital is officially open and families are already making joyful memories in this inclusive and purpose-built space.

Children at the opening celebration explored the playground’s exciting new features, including interactive sensory panels, balance and strength building apparatus, and inclusive play structures such as a wheelchair accessible carousel. Thoughtfully designed with every child in mind, the playground supports the physical, developmental and therapeutic needs of patients and families. 

Adding to the fun on opening day, a face painter and balloon artist delighted children throughout the celebration, creating a festive atmosphere full of laughter and smiles. 

Whether climbing, laughing, or exploring, the opening day highlighted the vital role this playground will play for families at the Hospital. Children undergoing treatment and their siblings have a space to play, recover, and feel like kids again. Parents and carers have a spot to rest, connect, and enjoy small but powerful moments of relief during what can be long and challenging days. 

The redevelopment was made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of donors, supporters, and community partners.  

The WCH Foundation is proud to support projects like this, which enhance the patient experience and support the emotional and social wellbeing of children and their families.

See the opening day and full photo gallery below!

Thank you to our supporters! 

This playground was made possible by the generosity of our community.  

Special thanks to SA Power Networks and the Enerven Employee Foundation, who launched the campaign by pledging to match the first $20,000 raised. We’re also grateful to AHT Electrical, the Australian Football League, and Foodland & the Good 4 Locals Foundation for their support, along with every donor who contributed to making this project a reality.

Every September, we pause to reflect on the immense strength of children facing cancer, and the courage of their families who walk beside them. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is not just about raising awareness, it’s about honouring the stories, the challenges, and the legacies of those who have faced this journey. One of those stories is Lucy’s, whose kindness and determination continue to inspire lasting change.

In 2007, at just six years old, Lucy was diagnosed with brain cancer. For the next 18 months, she received treatment at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH). Her strength and determination were nothing short of extraordinary. She never once asked, “Why me?” Instead, she faced every challenge with courage and resilience.

Lucy’s compassion for others was just as strong as her fight. At the age of 15, she wrote a children’s book called Take it On with the hope that other kids with cancer would never feel alone in their journey.

Tragically, on 9 June 2020, Lucy suffered a sudden brain haemorrhage and passed away the following day. 

But Lucy’s legacy lives on. Her mum, Jodie, has dedicated herself to ensuring Lucy is never forgotten, rallying their community in her memory. From Bunnings sausage sizzles to gala balls marking what would have been Lucy’s 24th birthday, Jodie’s efforts have raised nearly $25,000 for the Loving Lucy Mae Fund at the WCH Foundation.

Most recently, these funds have been directed toward the Oncology@Home project at the WCH. This initiative is designed to make life a little easier for children with cancer and blood disorders, and their families. Instead of long drives to the hospital or extended stays on the ward, this project will help deliver more treatments where kids feel safest and most comfortable – at home. 

The Loving Lucy Mae Fund has contributed an initial $15,000 to support a dedicated project nurse who is working to explore what’s needed to safely provide more care at home. Over three months, the nurse will consult with families, health professionals, and service providers to shape the best possible model of care. 

These findings will lay the foundation for a future where children can receive vital treatment without leaving the comfort and security of home, reducing the emotional and practical strain that hospital visits so often bring.

Lucy’s story reminds us of the resilience of children facing cancer and the incredible impact one family’s determination can have. This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we honour Lucy, her family, and every child who has faced or is facing this journey. 

Donate today to support children like Lucy and help bring vital care to their homes.

The Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation is proud to announce its 2025 research grant recipients, leading a diverse array of groundbreaking projects aimed at improving health outcomes for children and families.

Almost $3 million has been committed to these projects over the coming years, supporting vital research into mental health and rare diseases:

• Associate Professor Anne Sved Williams and her team will develop and evaluate telehealth delivery of a program for mothers with Borderline Personality Disorder, enabling them to access mental health support from home, no matter where they live. 

• Dr Alyssa Sawyer and her team will evaluate an attachment-informed perinatal care program designed to strengthen parent–infant bonds, build parental confidence, and promote lifelong wellbeing. 

• Professor Michael Stark and his team will trial late amino acid administration in infants requiring urgent surgery for serious and rare abdominal defects through the DELA3Y Trial, to improve recovery outcomes for these vulnerable babies. 

• Professor Jozef Gecz and his team will develop oligonucleotide therapies for two rare disorders causing epilepsy. This groundbreaking research could not only provide real treatment options for these rare disorders but also open the door to transformative therapies for many others. 

• Professor Kim Hemsley and her team will conduct pre-clinical evaluation of a potential drug treatment for childhood dementia, offering a beacon of hope for children and families affected by this devastating condition.  

• Dr Karissa Barthelson and her team will use zebrafish models to investigate skeletal phenotypes in Morquio syndrome, to uncover new insights into the condition, paving the way for improved treatments. 

These projects aim to create transformational change in healthcare for families across South Australia and beyond.

Established in 2006 by Matthew Scriver’s parents in memory of their beloved son, the Matthew Scriver Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Nurses Scholarship has become a beacon of hope and support within the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) and the broader Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN). Built on compassion and a sense of community, this scholarship empowers nurses to develop and deliver projects that place holistic and psychosocial care at the heart of the PICU experience, especially for long-stay patients and their families.

This year, we are proud to announce that the scholarship has been awarded to Alyssia Baker, a committed nurse whose family shares a legacy of giving, with her grandparents being proud supporters of the WCH Foundation. Alyssia’s project, titled “Retrospective Review of Neuroprotective Management in Paediatric Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Admitted to PICU,” aims to improve the care and outcomes for children facing severe brain injury.

“I am very passionate about this topic, particularly as our bedside management is absolutely critical to preventing further brain injury from the inflammation and damage that occurs in the days following the accident,” shares Alyssia.

Her project aligns closely with new guidelines being introduced by WCH consultants and neurosurgery teams, and will provide valuable insights into current practices, gaps, and areas for improvement in neuroprotective care. “Protecting the brain is an extremely complex balancing act and it is so important we get it right,” she says. “Ultimately this project will help support our goal of helping these children achieve their best possible neurological outcome.”

Through ongoing investment in nurses’ professional development and innovative care, Matthew’s legacy continues helping drive better futures for children and families in PICU and beyond.

Music has the power to soothe, connect and provide emotional support, especially during challenging times.

Supported by the WCH Foundation and the Elder Conservatorium of Music at the University of Adelaide, the CALM album is a new 10-track collection by composer Kristopher Man, created for the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN). Driven by a shared vision of enhancing the hospital experience, CALM is dedicated to supporting patients, families, and staff through music that deeply resonates with their experiences.

While the concept isn’t new, CALM stands out because of its personal touch, shaped by Kristopher’s own journey. Born at the WCH and returning many times as a patient, his lived experience and gratitude for the hospital community are woven into every composition.

Kristopher shares,

“My motivation for the music is that it’s not just for people now, but also for me. It’s a present to my past self, because looking back at my time this is what I really wish was there.”

Each melody is crafted not just for listening, but to offer real comfort, to ease anxiety, promote peace, and support wellbeing for patients, families, and staff at WCHN. 

Since 2022, Kristopher has been mentored through our Arts in Health program to compose, test and produce the CALM music tracks. This included a special performance where hospital staff and patients shared their feedback on the music, allowing Kristopher to shape the compositions and incorporate the current consumer perspective. 

What sets CALM apart is its heartfelt authenticity. Kristopher’s deep appreciation for the dedication of healthcare staff resonates throughout the album, offering not only encouragement to those facing health challenges, but moments of calm for the caregivers too. Every track reflects a genuine hope: to create welcoming spaces where music can make even the hardest days a little brighter.  

He reflects, “I’m really happy to have the opportunity to be the person that brings this to others.” 

From waiting rooms to wards and quiet corners for staff, Kristopher hopes his music will bring connection and comfort wherever it’s needed within the hospital.

Please connect with our Arts in Health staff via artsinhealth@wchfoundation.org.au to arrange a CD or download of the music tracks.

Five years ago, BIG W embarked on a mission to support the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation through a five-year partnership. With an ambitious goal of raising $500,000, State Manager Kris and the BIG W team set out to make a difference.

Today, we are thrilled to announce that BIG W has exceeded all expectations, raising an incredible $679,629.65, surpassing their goal by nearly $180,000! This remarkable achievement is thanks to the dedication of BIG W staff and the generosity of their customers who supported the Token Campaigns over the years.

To celebrate this milestone, we were joined by the inspiring Dragon Queen, Zoe, one of our Pink Heart Gallery artists, and a talented dancer from Restless Dance Theatre. Together, they helped the BIG W team understand how these funds support Play Therapy at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and make a difference in the lives of patients.

This partnership is a shining example of what can be achieved when a company truly believes in giving back to the community. By working together year after year, BIG W has helped us create brighter futures for children and families in need.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire BIG W team for their incredible support and commitment. Your efforts have made a lasting impact, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

The Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation (WCH Foundation) is proud to announce its partnership in the groundbreaking Health Songbook Project, a transformative initiative that introduces Australia’s first music therapy songbook tailored for Aboriginal peoples undergoing health treatment. 

This innovative resource, developed by the University of Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) in partnership with the WCH Foundation, features 20 songs representing 14 Indigenous language groups. The songbook is freely available online, offering professionally produced recordings, sheet music, lyric sheets, and composer background notes to support music therapists in clinical and community settings. 

The WCH Foundation Arts in Health program played a pivotal role in connecting the research team, led by CASM Co-Director and Bundjalung man Grayson Rotumah, with Music Therapists across South Australia and the Australian Music Therapy Association. These connections enabled vital discussions about the challenges music therapists faced and the resources they needed to better support culturally based care for Indigenous families. This input shaped the development of the songbook, ensuring it met the needs of practitioners and patients alike.

“Before this, music therapists had no culturally appropriate resources to draw on when engaging with First Nations patients. This often made it difficult to build trust and understanding,” Rotumah explained.

This resource provides music, language, and stories that can act as a bridge to Aboriginal patients, who are statistically over-represented in our hospital system.” 

The Health Song book Project not only bridges cultural divides but also celebrates the richness of Aboriginal languages and music. It includes contributions in languages such as Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri, Gunditjmara, and Torres Strait Islander languages, among others. Most of the music was newly composed, blending contemporary therapeutic practices with Indigenous cultural expression.  

Music therapy, which uses rhythm, melody, and harmony to address physical, emotional, and social needs, is a vital tool in health care. The songbook has already received enthusiastic feedback from therapists eager to integrate it into their practice. 

The WCH Foundation is honoured to have contributed to this meaningful initiative, which not only enhances health care but also fosters cultural connection and healing. The Health Songbook Project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of culturally sensitive care.  

For more information, visit the Health Songbook Project.

For generations, the Waterman family has exemplified philanthropy, with Sandra Waterman continuing this legacy through her life of service and a generous bequest to continue their impact.

Sandra Waterman was the only child of Sir Ewen and Lady Vera Waterman, a family deeply connected to South Australia’s history and community. Her parents were passionate supporters of the Adelaide Children’s Hospital (now the Women’s and Children’s Hospital), dedicating their time to fundraising in the 1940s. Lady Vera served as President of the SA Hospitals Visiting Committee in 1948, while Sir Ewen’s leadership and philanthropy earned him a knighthood in 1963. Their dedication to improving healthcare for children left a lasting impression on Sandra, shaping her own commitment to giving back.

Sandra’s life was as extraordinary as her family’s legacy. After completing her education she joined the Commonwealth Police in 1962. Her career spanned over two decades, during which she became a foundation member of the Australian Federal Police. Sandra served as personal security for high-profile dignitaries, including Madam Ky, wife of the Prime Minister of South Vietnam, and Lady Bird Johnson, wife of US President Lyndon B. Johnson. Known for her expertise in unarmed combat, Sandra’s dedication and skill earned her the Police Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 1988.

Sandra passed away in November 2022 at the age of 85.  In honor of her parents, whose tireless efforts supported the Adelaide Children’s Hospital, she made a generous bequest to the WCH Foundation. Sandra’s legacy is a testament to her remarkable life of service, generosity, and dedication to making a difference.

To find out more about leaving a gift to the WCH Foundation in your Will, visit our bequests page.

The Audiology Department at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) provides diagnostic hearing assessments to more than 5000 children each year, seeing a variety of inpatients and outpatients of different ages and varying degrees of complexity.

We are proud to support this service, funding vital equipment and projects.

The Titan Tympanometer is a versatile, portable tool that allows the Audiology team to assess both middle ear health and cochlear function. Although they are regularly used in clinics at the WCH, they are also very useful in Outreach services, including Aboriginal ear health clinics.

We are pleased to be able to support the purchase of vital equipment, enabling quality service delivery at the WCH, and into rural and remote communities across South Australia and cross border communities.

Phoebe Hall, Paediatric Audiologist, shares her gratitude:

“The Audiology Department sincerely thanks the WCH Foundation for their generous support in purchasing the new Titan device. This valuable contribution enables us to provide high-quality care and services to our patients, both at the hospital, and in the community”.

We are incredibly proud to share that our CEO, Verity Gobbett, has been recognised among South Australia’s 40 Under 40 for 2025 by InDaily and Solstice Media.

This esteemed accolade celebrates the inspiring contributions of young leaders across the state, and Verity’s recognition is a testament to her exceptional leadership, dedication, and vision.

Verity’s leadership with the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation has been nothing short of transformational. Since joining the organisation in 2021 as Head of Mission, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment to making a real and lasting difference in the lives of women, children, and families. As a mother of two and born and bred South Australian, Verity is deeply committed to a vision for a healthier future for all South Australian children and families.

As CEO, Verity’s focus on collaboration, innovation, and compassion consistently ensures that we are delivering meaningful impact for the Women’s and Children’s Health Network and the patients and families that rely on its care.

Reflecting on being named in the 40 under 40, Verity said, “I have the privilege of leading a passionate team, who raise millions in critical funding each year, and contribute to change that improves the lives of patients and families every day. This recognition is not just about me but about our staff, our partners, and our generous supporters.”

“I see this award as a celebration of the collective efforts that bring our vision to life. It’s a testament to the strength of our community and what we can accomplish together.  Thank you for believing in our mission and working with us to make it a reality.”

Please join us in congratulating Verity on this exceptional achievement.