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Local History
Our Western Australian Story
Western Australia is one of the most isolated health jurisdictions in the world. It can create mental health and well-being challenges for young WA patients and their families who need to access complex or critical healthcare in Perth for weeks, months and sometimes over years.
Far from home, jobs, schools and communities; the financial and emotional burden can adversely affect a family’s life, well-being and importantly, the patient experience and outcomes.
Ronald McDonald House Charities WA’s (RMHC WA) purpose is to keep patients and families together and resilient. To achieve this, RMHC WA’s supported accommodation, facilities and programs integrate with hospital infrastructure to optimise efficiencies, patient access and experience of healthcare – 24/7, 365 days a year.
Ronald McDonald House Charities’ family-centred care model is globally renowned for the quality and efficacy of its service. The model recognises family well-being as a critical foundation to short and longer-term outcomes for young patients beyond their hospital treatment.
Ronald McDonald House Charities WA opened the very first Ronald McDonald House in WA in 1990, in Subiaco. The establishment of this House and the Charity was pioneered by Glenn Baker OAM.
While our original House in Subiaco is no longer running, since then, we have opened an exceptional 47-bedroom House in Nedlands and a 14-bedroom House inside Perth Children’s Hospital. The opening of these new facilities ensures we are able to keep even more WA families close together during difficult times.
In 2024, Ronald McDonald House on Park opened, our new temporary facility with a total of 50 rooms.
Acknowledgement of Country
Ronald McDonald House WA acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are privileged to live, work and welcome families. We honour their enduring connection to Country, culture, and community, and pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.
Here, on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja, we open our doors to families from across Western Australia when they need us most. Grounded in the enduring care and wisdom of the Traditional Custodians of this land, we offer comfort, safety, and a sense of home.
We recognise the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and we walk alongside them with humility, respect, and a commitment to listening, learning, and healing together.