Very Special Kids

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Malvern East, VIC
Very Special Kids

Providing holistic palliative care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families

05/10/2026

During a recent stay at our family accommodation, Apryl, her brother Blake and their family had a welcoming place to call home while travelling to Melbourne for specialist hospital appointments. 🏠

Between nursing support, colourful science experiments, arts and crafts, new friendships and plenty of fun in the soft play area, the family created special memories and felt welcomed from the moment they arrived.

As Apryl's mum Kali shared, “The nurses and team here are just magic... Our time there was amazing, we left there feeling like we were family."

For families travelling long distances – our family accommodation provides a home away from home – ensuring everyone can stay together while receiving the care and support they need. ✨

03/10/2026

73% of Leo's classmates didn't know what palliative care was.

That's why the Very Special Kids’ sibling chose it as the focus of his Grade 6 project. 💙

Over two days, Leo shared his research with students, teachers and parents, helping raise awareness of children's palliative care and its impact on families.

Thank you, Leo, for starting important conversations and helping improve death literacy in your school community. ⭐

02/10/2026

"Supporting others makes me feel happy and purposeful." 💙

At just 16, Charlotte is helping shape the future of Very Special Kids as an Advisor, using her lived experience to help others feel welcomed, included and supported.

From favourite things to fun facts, you can get to know Charlotte and learn why being an Advisor is so important to her.

🔗www.vsk.org.au/news-and-resources/meet-charlotte

30/09/2026

Pedal for purpose. Join the Very Special Ride! 🚴💙

With every kilometre you ride and every dollar you raise, you'll help families create precious memories together when time matters most.

More than a cycling challenge, Very Special Ride is an opportunity to make a real difference for seriously ill children, and the families who care for them.

Early bird tickets close soon!
Register today 👉 www.veryspecialride.org.au

29/09/2026

Friendly competition was the name of the game at Pakenham Bowls Club. ☀️💙

With lawn bowls proving a hit for all ages and abilities, families enjoyed a relaxed day of connection, crafts, face painting, a shared lunch and an energetic African drumming session.

Thank you to Pakenham Bowls Club and the wonderful volunteers who helped create such an inclusive and welcoming event, where every member of the family could join in the fun. ✨

27/09/2026

Indulge in an afternoon of exceptional food, premium drinks and unforgettable entertainment at Gather to Give. ✨

Hosted at The George On Collins and featuring acclaimed chef Adam D'Sylva, this exclusive event includes premium roaming canapés, a live pasta-making demonstration, a That's Amore cheese station, a four-hour premium beverage package, live entertainment, and luxury auction and raffle prizes.

All while supporting children and families supported by Very Special Kids. 💙

📅 Sunday 11 October, 4pm to 8pm
🎟️ Book vsk.org.au/GatherToGive

24/09/2026

🌟 We are proud to announce the posthumous induction of Sister Margaret Noone IBVM AM into the 2026 Victorian Honour Roll of Women as the inaugural History Heroine.

A trailblazer in children's palliative care, Sister Margaret was the First Employee and Patron of Very Special Kids. Her vision and determination helped establish Australia's first children's hospice, leaving a legacy that continues to support children with life-limiting conditions and their families today.

We are honoured to see Sister Margaret recognised among this year's inductees and thank the Victorian Honour Roll of Women for celebrating her extraordinary contribution to children, families and paediatric palliative care.

Read more about this special recognition and the legacy behind it 💜
👉 https://bit.ly/3Tl0zck

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing - VIC

22/09/2026

✨ Behind every donation on A Very Special Day were the stories that inspired them. Very special mum Sue shared:

"Today is a day full of emotions for me. This year, 34 years ago, I was 25 and a half weeks pregnant with twins.

Very Special Kids has supported us through some of our worst moments, after both of our twin boys, Frazer and Pierce, died. They passed away 16 years apart and Very Special Kids has supported us for the past 31 years."

Read more about the impact of A Very Special Day and the families, volunteers and matched giving partners who made it so special here https://vsk.org.au/news-and-resources/the-heart-of-a-very-special-day/ ✨💜

17/09/2026

We're delighted to share our family support practitioner, Bonita Ralph, has been awarded a 2026 Churchill Fellowship by Churchill Trust - AU

Through the Fellowship, Bonita will travel to leading children's hospices across the UK, Europe, Canada and the USA to explore best practice in after-death care and bring new ideas, knowledge and connections back to Australia.

We are incredibly proud to see Bonita's vision and dedication recognised. We look forward to the insights she will bring back to Very Special Kids and the broader paediatric palliative care sector.

Read more about Bonita's intended project here:
www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/bonita-ralph-vic-2026/

Address

321 Glenferrie Road
Malvern East, VIC
3144

Website

http://www.vsk.org.au/

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