On 1 September 2026, we celebrated the official opening of Level 7 at Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland South Brisbane, marking a significant milestone in our Chapter’s history.
The completion of Level 7 represents the final stage in the development of South Brisbane House, a place that has provided comfort, connection and support to thousands of families travelling to Brisbane for their child’s medical care over the past decade.
While the opening marks the completion of a building, the true significance lies in what these new spaces will mean for families facing some of life’s challenging moments.
Level 7 introduces seven purpose-built multi-bedroom apartments designed specifically for larger families and those requiring extended stays while their child receives treatment.
When a child is ill or injured, families can find themselves far from home for weeks, months, or even longer. During these difficult periods, being able to stay together can make a world of difference.
The new apartments provide additional space, privacy and comfort, allowing parents, siblings and extended family members to remain close to one another and close to the hospital.
The official launch brought together donors, partners, families, volunteers, and employees to celebrate this important milestone.
Guests had the opportunity to tour the new floor and reflect on the collective effort that has supported the House’s growth over the years. There was a sense of pride and gratitude as the community came together to celebrate not only the completion of Level 7, but the expanded support now available for families navigating a child’s illness or injury.
Level 7 was made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners, led by Clive Berghofer OAM, OA, whose transformational gift of $1.3 million helped bring this project to life. We also acknowledge the support of Ronald McDonald House Australia, Ronald McDonald House Global, Brisbane Airport and The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund.
Thanks also to Amart, Sealy, Ryse Construction, Harvey Norman Commercial, BIG W and NEFF for helping fund and equip this space. Special thanks to our building committee and project partners, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Artazan Property Group, Ellivo Architects, Professional Certification Group , McCormack Pty Ltd, Seima and DMA Engineers, for bringing this vision to life, and everyone who played a part in making it possible.
Among the first families to move into Level 7 is the Heather family from Tamborine Mountain.
Eight out of ten family members have called South Brisbane House home since September 2025 after three-year-old Cara was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma. Since then, Cara has undergone an intensive treatment journey including chemotherapy, surgery, two bone marrow transplants and radiation therapy.
Expected to stay in Brisbane for the remainder of the year, the family has recently moved into one of the new Level 7 apartments with an adjoining door.
Previously accommodated across two separate rooms, the larger apartment has already transformed their daily experience, providing greater space to live together as a family while continuing Cara’s treatment at Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Families like the Heathers are exactly why Level 7 was created. These apartments ensure larger families can remain together, connected and supported throughout long and complex treatment journeys.
Watch the video below to hear firsthand from the families whose lives have been changed by staying at our South Brisbane House.
The completion of South Brisbane House is a moment to celebrate, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on the incredible community that made it possible.
Every room, every shared space, and every family story represented within these walls exists because of the generosity of donors, partners, volunteers, and supporters who believe families belong together.
As we officially open Level 7, we do so with immense gratitude and optimism for the future.
Together, we have created more than seven new apartments. We have created more places for families to stay close during treatment, more opportunities for connection during difficult times, and more moments of comfort when they are needed most.
Because when a child is ill or injured, family is everything, and families belong together.
Through the Heart of our Home program, you can adopt a room today and directly support families staying on Level 7. Your contribution keeps these rooms running, and in recognition of this generosity, you’ll receive acknowledgement on dedicated door signage of the room you support.
Learn more here or contact [email protected]
Your support helps us ensure families can stay at heart of their child’s care, where they are needed most.
