Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards today officially opened a purpose-built children’s rehabilitation play space at Bendigo Health, creating a dedicated environment designed to enhance therapy and enrich the experience of young patients.
First imagined three years ago, the project will provide a space where children can engage in play as a core part of their rehabilitation.
At any one time, more than 100 children receive care through the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (VPRS) at Bendigo Health. The majority of these children live with cerebral palsy, a permanent condition requiring ongoing therapy.
Bendigo Health Chief Allied Health Officer, Sally Harris, said the fantastic new facility would meet the varied and complex needs of paediatric patients.
“Play is recognised as an essential tool in therapy, helping children build strength, improve coordination, and regain confidence in a way that feels natural and enjoyable,” she said.
“The play space will have a lasting impact on children and families across our region. It represents a proud collaboration between our clinicians, patients and the community, creating an all-abilities outdoor playground where children can participate in therapy or simply play alongside siblings and peers.”
The $740,000 space was jointly funded through the Good Friday Appeal ($300,000), local businesses, community groups and philanthropic organisations ($440,000).
Bendigo Health CEO, Eileen Hannagan, said the organisation was deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to funding the play space including; the Bendigo Ford Fun Run, Agnico Eagle, Frances and Harold Abbott Foundation, Bendigo Bank, Colonial Foundation, Collier Charitable Fund and the Bendigo Chinese Association.
“Our community has a great sense of pride and ownership in our health service, which is reflected in the years of sustained fundraising efforts for this play space. We extend our thanks to them, and to the Good Friday Appeal, for their continued support,” she said.
Executive Director of the Good Friday Appeal, Rebecca Cowan, said the project highlighted the value of investing in regional healthcare.
“Our visit to Bendigo demonstrates the impact of funding on local paediatric care,” Ms Cowan said. “This year, $3 million from the Appeal is supporting health services across regional Victoria, including $600,000 dedicated to the Loddon Mallee region.”
The play space is part of a broader commitment to strengthening paediatric services, including workforce training programs and new models of care to improve access across the region.
Bendigo Health continues to deliver patient-centred paediatric care across regional Victoria, ensuring children and families receive the support they need closer to home.
First imagined three years ago, the project will provide a space where children can engage in play as a core part of their rehabilitation.
At any one time, more than 100 children receive care through the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (VPRS) at Bendigo Health. The majority of these children live with cerebral palsy, a permanent condition requiring ongoing therapy.
Bendigo Health Chief Allied Health Officer, Sally Harris, said the fantastic new facility would meet the varied and complex needs of paediatric patients.
“Play is recognised as an essential tool in therapy, helping children build strength, improve coordination, and regain confidence in a way that feels natural and enjoyable,” she said.
“The play space will have a lasting impact on children and families across our region. It represents a proud collaboration between our clinicians, patients and the community, creating an all-abilities outdoor playground where children can participate in therapy or simply play alongside siblings and peers.”
The $740,000 space was jointly funded through the Good Friday Appeal ($300,000), local businesses, community groups and philanthropic organisations ($440,000).
Bendigo Health CEO, Eileen Hannagan, said the organisation was deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to funding the play space including; the Bendigo Ford Fun Run, Agnico Eagle, Frances and Harold Abbott Foundation, Bendigo Bank, Colonial Foundation, Collier Charitable Fund and the Bendigo Chinese Association.
“Our community has a great sense of pride and ownership in our health service, which is reflected in the years of sustained fundraising efforts for this play space. We extend our thanks to them, and to the Good Friday Appeal, for their continued support,” she said.
Executive Director of the Good Friday Appeal, Rebecca Cowan, said the project highlighted the value of investing in regional healthcare.
“Our visit to Bendigo demonstrates the impact of funding on local paediatric care,” Ms Cowan said. “This year, $3 million from the Appeal is supporting health services across regional Victoria, including $600,000 dedicated to the Loddon Mallee region.”
The play space is part of a broader commitment to strengthening paediatric services, including workforce training programs and new models of care to improve access across the region.
Bendigo Health continues to deliver patient-centred paediatric care across regional Victoria, ensuring children and families receive the support they need closer to home.
