KidsWish House Opening

The Disability Trust celebrated a momentous occasion on Wednesday, May 17, hosting the grand opening of KidsWish House in Flinders.

KidsWish House stands as an exciting and much needed facility for the Illawarra and South Coast communities, where people with disability and their families can access an extensive range of services. This purpose-built, multidisciplinary hub proudly serves as the new central location for KidsWish programs and events. Additionally, it offers essential clinical services such as speech and occupational therapy. With its versatile features including a basketball court doubling as a hall, a music and dance studio, an outdoor courtyard, sensory garden, and office spaces, KidsWish House emerges as the ultimate community space.

The total project cost of this remarkable endeavor amounts to $5.2 million. The funds were jointly provided by various entities, including the Australian Government through the $1.38 billion Building Better Regions program, the NSW State Government, The Disability Trust, KidzWish Foundation, and generous donations from the local community.

To commence the official opening, Uncle Dean performed a smoking ceremony, followed by Uncle Richard offering a warm Welcome to Country. The event featured engaging presentations from notable individuals, including Carol Berry, the CEO of The Disability Trust; Neil Webster, Chair of the KidzWish Foundation Board; The Honourable Stephen Jones MP; and KidsWish parent, Sally Grant and her son, Dane who expressed his appreciation of the impressive facility.

The organisers would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to all those who joined them in commemorating the momentous occasion of the official opening. They are especially grateful to the community members who took the time to attend the open afternoon. The attendees had a delightful time participating in a scavenger hunt, engaging in KidsWish sport and music programs, getting their faces painted, playing with bubbles, relishing delicious cookies generously donated by Ra Ra’s Cookie Jar and enjoying the food and beverages provided on the day.

KidsWish House is set to transform into a nurturing haven, offering a variety of programs that empower and encourage engagement in enjoyable activities, fostering friendships, and cultivating strengths while acquiring new skills. Sharing this space will be Noah’s, an organisation dedicated to providing therapy, education, and support for children with additional needs and their families. Moreover, The Disability Trust’s Trusted Clinical Services will contribute a comprehensive range of clinical support services out of the facility. With these combined efforts, KidsWish House proudly stands as an inclusive and comprehensive disability support hub for the communities of Illawarra and the South Coast.