Family stays together, and we stay with them.
We believe that “home” is more than four walls and a roof over your head. That’s why every Ronald McDonald House provides families with all the comforts of home, plus the compassion of staff, volunteers, and other families – all just steps away from the hospital, so they can focus on what matters most – caring for their ill or injured child.
When the best medical treatment for a child is far from home, families don’t have worry about where to stay. At a Ronald McDonald House, families can be together, enjoy home-cooked meals and receive compassionate hospitality and support from staff and volunteers – making their journey a little easier.
Our 17 Houses across Australia allow families to stay together, close to the hospital and remain at the heart of their child’s healthcare.
Families have access to private rooms, shared kitchens, laundry and meals, office spaces, play areas and welcoming communal spaces, providing comfort away from home. Supported by compassionate volunteers, staff and other families on similar journeys, families can feel connected, strong and cared for, focusing on being together and caring for their ill or injured child, rather than the stress and cost of travelling long distances.
Our Houses are accommodation for families with an ill or injured child. Houses offer families a comfortable place to stay with support from staff, volunteers and other families with shared experiences. The Houses include private family bedrooms, many with ensuites and communal kitchens, lounges, quiet spaces and play areas.
There are currently 17 Houses around the country.
The cornerstone of our work, Ronald McDonald House Programs are located in close proximity to major children’s hospitals in Australia. They provide accommodation for ill or injured child and their families.
Families caring for children who are ill or injured or mothers going through high-risk pregnancies are eligible to stay at a House.
You can directly contact the House closest to the treating hospital to make an enquiry. Referrals to stay at a Ronald McDonald House can also be made by your child’s medical or social work team.
Our Ronald McDonald Houses try to accommodate the needs of families where possible, however this is always subject of availability. Priority is given to families whose children have been recently diagnosed ill or injured or who require emergency treatment, and families traveling long distances from their home. Local priority criteria may apply.
Each House varies in size, so please contact your local House to talk to our friendly staff about how they may help your family.
Parents don’t know when their child will need medical help. But they should know they can always access the care they need. And with your help, we can strive to support them all throughout their journey.
