The hospice in suburban Malvern is a purpose-built facility offering 24 hour nursing care for children with life-threatening conditions and a family services clinic. Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced the funding during a visit last week.
The hospice, established in 1985, provides free-of-charge family support services including counselling, advocacy, sibling and bereavement support, networking and peer activities, trained family volunteers and specialist care.
VSK annually supports more than 900 Victorian families with children suffering from life threatening conditions. The hospice raises 70 per cent of its operating budget through fundraising by an army of volunteers, community support and loyal donors.
VSK says securing the purchase of the Malvern site is vital for the organisation and the families it supports. The Commonwealth Government’s $4 million contribution towards the purchase of the property brings a permanent home for the organisation a step closer with VSK entering purchase negotiations with the state government.
In addition to the children’s hospice and main offices in Malvern, VSK supports families across Victoria through offices in Brunswick, Ballarat, Hastings, Shepparton, Torquay, Traralgon and Warrnambool.
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