A beach house in Victor Harbor has helped over 160 families with a child in palliative care or with complex medical needs, as well as recently bereaved families grieving the loss of their child.
The Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation (WCH Foundation) have just celebrated their fifth anniversary of the Laklinyeri Beach House on Saturday.
The Beach House is a purpose-built, medically equipped holiday home that was opened on 20 July 2019.
Verity Gobbett, Head of Mission at the WCH Foundation says it was the first of its kind in South Australia.
“We work closely with each family to create bespoke holidays to meet their wishes, whether it is enjoying experiences in the local area, or having a professional photography session to capture special moments,” Verity Gobbett said.
“We cannot change the outcomes for families, but we can provide them with a perfect sanctuary away from their everyday challenges to relax and spend quality time together. The Beach House leaves families with stronger relationships, cherished memories, and a shared sense of togetherness.”
The Halfpenny family (pictured above) were the first family welcomed into the Beach House after its opening. Emma and Wayne’s daughter, Jessika, was diagnosed with Epidermolysis Bullosa and Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy as a baby. Following her passing in 2023 at the age of 13, the family has returned to the Beach House to remember their daughter and the precious memories they made with her in this special place.
Emma Halfpenny said her family considered it to be an honour and a privilege to be chosen as the first family to stay at the Beach House.
“Being back is a mixture of both happiness and sadness. Those precious memories mean so much to us since her passing. While they are bittersweet, we are forever grateful for having the opportunity to create them,” Emma Halfpenny said.
She says her fondest memories were watching her wheelchair-bound daughter enjoying playing with her brother in the cubby house, and games and craft time as a family in the dining area.
Each week-long stay is fully funded by the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation through generous donations from the community. To celebrate the 5th birthday, the community can donate via wchfoundation.org.au.
Verity Gobbett from the WCH Foundation joined ARN’s Adam Connelly and Jennie Lenman to talk about the property and share some stories. Listen to their interview via SoundCloud.
