Our Programs
Staying at the House
When families are faced with the daunting task of traveling far from the comfort of their home and support network to ensure their child receives essential, specialised medical care, the burden can be overwhelming.
Amidst the already heavy load of worry and uncertainty, finding suitable accommodation in an unfamiliar city only elevates a stressful situation. That’s where Ronald McDonald House steps in, offering a beacon of hope during what can often be the most challenging time of a family’s life.
By providing a warm and welcoming space, Ronald McDonald House not only offers comfort and shelter, but also provides a lifeline to families by ensuring they can stay right by their child’s side throughout their medical journey. In doing so, we are able to give these brave children and their families the invaluable gift of togetherness when they need it most.
Who is eligible to stay with us?
Keeping the family together can be extremely tough without support, which is why we offer accommodation for parents with ill and injured children who need to travel to Townsville University Hospital for treatment. We also welcome families from all over Queensland and Papua New Guinea, as well as families from interstate and elsewhere overseas.
We try to accommodate the needs of families where we can, but this is always subject to availability.
Additional Information
Our dedicated team of staff work collaboratively to care for our families. Our House also relies on a committed group of volunteers who generously give their time to make our families feel welcome and supported. After-hours caretakers live on the premises and can be contacted 24 hours a day in case of emergency.
We understand that being away from home for long periods of time can put families under financial strain. That’s why our accommodation is free for eligible families of ill and injured children. While our policy is to provide free accommodation, your stay at the House may require you to claim financial support towards accommodation and travel from relevant government transport assistance scheme in your home state. Our friendly team are happy to work with you to apply for the relevant financial support.
Being forced to move your family far from home, work, school, and your entire support network due to a child’s medical journey is extraordinarily tough. Our House has a wonderful community spirit, where you’ll be able to connect with other families going through experiences similar to your own. Our communal facilities also provide families with the independence to be able to cater for themselves and keep up with day-to-day living as much as possible.
Our House is purpose-built to allow out-of-town families to travel light, knowing that their needs can be met, no matter how long or short their stay. Thanks to the generosity of the local community, we are able to supply basic food items such as bread, milk, cereal, tea, coffee, and long-life goods, as well as linen, toiletries and emergency clothing,
Location & Facilities
100 Angus Smith Drive,
Douglas QLD 4814
