Our patron
Rowan Downing, QC

Helping families with children
receiving paediatric palliative care
to enhance quality of life
for the family as a whole

Kessia’s Cottage -
Ronald McDonald Beach House

In September 2003 KessiaCare Foundation established Kessia’s Cottage in Ocean Grove, Victoria. The cottage is a holiday home for families with a seriously ill child or for families recently bereaved following the death of a child.

The Foundation is fortunate to have partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities in June 2004 to ensure the long term viability of the cottage. The Foundation is represented on a new board, Ocean Grove Beach House Inc, which oversees the cottage.

Kessia’s Cottage—Ronald McDonald Beach House provides a peaceful escape for families to regroup, reenergise and spend quality time away from everyday distractions.

Cottage facilities include an enclosed heated pool, games room, BBQ deck, small children’s playground and fairy garden. A wide range of small businesses support the cottage by offering families substantial discounts at cafes, restaurants and local attractions.

Kessia’s Cottage—Ronald McDonald Beach House is supported by Palliative Care Victoria and nursing assistance may be arranged for visiting families through the local palliative care team.

The Foundation continues to play a major role in the management of the cottage and assists Ocean Grove Beach House Inc. in fundraising to allow families to stay free of charge.

Please visit Kessia’s Cottage - Ronald McDonald Beach House  for further detail including information on how to apply to stay.

 

Kessia’s Cottage Ronald McDonald Beach House is a single level, bright and relaxing holiday home for families with a seriously ill child or for families recently bereaved. The Cottage is located in the seaside town of Ocean Grove, Victoria. It provides a peaceful escape for families to regroup, reenergise, and spend quality time away from hospitals and everyday distractions. For additional peace of mind, families staying at the Cottage may arrange for nursing assistance from the local palliative care team. Equipment loans such as wheelchairs, commode chairs or oxygen machines may also be arranged. A family is able to use Kessia’s Cottage if their child has been diagnosed with a serious or life threatening condition, or if the family has been recently bereaved following the death of a child. There is no cost and families are able to stay for up to one week. The Cottage is managed by a local board, Ocean Grove Beach House Inc. The board relies on fundraising and donations to cover the costs of running the Cottage allowing families to holiday free of charge.

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