Construction begins on Sandcastles (Boodja Mia), Western Australia’s Children’s Hospice

The construction of Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) in Western Australia marks a significant and emotional milestone for families facing the most challenging journey.

Situated in the coastal suburb of Swanbourne, Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) is Western Australia’s first purpose-built paediatric hospice providing around-the-clock clinical support, end-of-life care, bereavement support and respite accommodation for children and their families across the state. The dual name Sandcastles Boodja Mia was developed by Noongar cultural advisors Soft Earth and is an ode to the therapeutic healing properties of the sun, sea, sand, and ocean breeze.

Senior Architect James French said the design’s priority was to create a home-like environment amid natural surroundings.

​“Life-limiting child illness is an emotionally charged, distressing and immersive experience that overwhelms the focus of the family unit,” says James.

​“The design has been very considered to ensure that each space in and around the hospice provides a reprieve from this by creating a caring, calming and relaxing environment that enables families to connect with a community experiencing similar challenges.“

Boodja Mia will have seven single-guest bedrooms with ensuite, one two-bedroom family suite with ensuite and connection to a guest bedroom, and two, two-bedroom family suites with ensuite and private terraces. A bereavement suite connected to a landscaped courtyard and private car bay is provided on the ground floor.

It will also have a hydrotherapy pool, fenced playground, sensory garden spaces with a memorial garden, indoor play areas, communal living and dining areas, multiple therapy spaces, meeting rooms and clinical support spaces.

“To have a place like this where you can go and be a mum and be 100% supportive and by her [Brooke’s] side the whole way through, knowing that she’s okay, she’s in a happy place, it’s amazing.”

— a Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation Ambassador and Brooke’s mum

Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) will mark Australia’s fourth paediatric hospice, adding to Bear Cottage (NSW), Very Special Kids (VIC) and Hummingbird House (QLD). The Children’s Hospice project is a partnership between the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) and Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF).