Fundraising

Trusts and Foundations

The George Gregan Foundation, established in August 2005, is a long term vision of George Gregan and his wife Erica. The idea for this Foundation was born in 2004 when their son Max was diagnosed with epilepsy. They spent time at The Children's Hospital at Westmead with Max and experienced firsthand the needs of many sick children and their families. The goals of the Foundation are to create outdoor specialised playgrounds in children's hospitals and to fund medical practitioners in the area of paediatric neurology.

The George Gregan Foundation Playground at Westmead

The George Gregan Foundation opened its first interactive outdoor playground at The Children's Hospital at Westmead on 5th October 2006. With major partners Mirvac and Backyard Blitz, the playground was completed in three weeks and was officially opened by the Foundation's very special Ambassador, Katie Power.

The project was based on Australian and international research and close consultation with The Children's Hospital at Westmead to design an accessible and equitable play environment for children with and without disabilities.

This playground has an aquatic theme and is filled with surprise water elements including sculptures of tortoises, crabs, fish, seal, walrus and an enormous octopus rising from the (fibre optic) river bed. The major focus of the playground is a giant pirate ship complete with sound effects on the gangway, which was very generously donated by Cure Our Kids.

To maintain the playground the Foundation has built two beautiful curved donor's walls. We would especially love to thank donors who have already supported the Foundation by buying a donor tile on these walls. There are still lots of spaces to fill on the new donor wall and we welcome any donation to this project. Every 3 months we will add new engraved stainless steel tiles to the donor wall which is closely guarded by a magnificent sculpture of 'Sweetheart' the 5m salt water crocodile. Donations to the Foundation will ensure the long term maintenance, upkeep, new play items and many more surprises are constantly added to the playground to entertain the kids and their families while visiting the hospital.

As part of its ongoing commitment to The Children's Hospital at Westmead, the George Gregan Foundation has installed additional shade structure over the playground and across the adjacent grass area and amphitheatre. The playground is now accessible in warmer months and the shade has created additional play areas for the kids. This upgrade and extension was made possible thanks to the generous support of our donors.

The Neurology Ward Playroom

The George Gregan Foundation has recently funded the refurbishment of a playroom in the neurology ward at The Children's Hospital at Westmead. The refurbishment of the Commercial Travellers' Ward playroom is nearing completion. The structural work (which involved removing an internal wall and closing in a verandah) has been achieved and the playroom is now a big sunny room with a great outlook over the George Gregan Foundation Playground.

The George Gregan Epilepsy Fellowship

Since 2006 the Foundation has funded a Fellowship in Neurology at The Children's Hospital at Westmead . The George Gregan Epilepsy Fellowship provides clinical experience in the assessment, investigation and management of children with new onset and refractory seizure disorders. This is seen as a great investment in improving the treatment and results for children and their families.