Welcome to Kessia's Cottage - Ronald McDonald Family Retreat
A place for families to grow stronger together
Kessia's Cottage Ronald McDonald Family Retreat is a single level, bright and relaxing holiday home for families with a seriously ill child or for families recently bereaved.The Cottage is located in the seaside town of Ocean Grove, Victoria. It provides a peaceful escape for families to regroup, reenergise, and spend quality time away from hospitals and everyday distractions.
Extra assistance is close at hand
For additional peace of mind, families staying at the Cottage may arrange for nursing assistance from the local palliative care team. Equipment loans such as wheelchairs, commode chairs or oxygen machines may also be arranged.
Who can stay?
A family is able to use Kessia's Cottage if their child has been diagnosed with a serious or life threatening condition, or if the family has been recently bereaved following the death of a child. There is no cost and families are able to stay for up to one week.
How to apply
You can download an application form, please see to the left.
Kessia's Cottage Ronald McDonald Family Retreat is in Ocean Grove, a beautiful seaside town on the Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria. It is 1hrs drive south of Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital and Monash Medical Centre, and half an hour from Geelong Hospital.
Ocean Grove is a popular holiday spot close to Torquay and the start of the spectacular Great Ocean Road. The historic towns of Barwon Heads and Queenscliff are just next door, as are pick-your-own strawberry farms, amusement parks, lighthouses for visiting, rock pools to ramble around, or beaches galore to laze by.
You can find out more about Ocean Grove here.
Cottage Facilities
Kessia's Cottage Ronald McDonald Family Retreat provides a wide range of facilities outdoor games room, children's playground, BBQ deck and fairy garden. There are games and books, a video and DVD library, beach toys, boogey boards, picnic gear and even wetsuits!
There is a fully equipped kitchen and laundry, plus all linen, towels and bedding are provided. The Cottage sleeps eight, with a single adjustable bed in the main bedroom in case a sick child wants to 'room-in' with mum and dad. Grandparents or other carers are welcome to come along to help with the family.
The Cottage is wheelchair accessible, though may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. The bathrooms provide limited access only for those with disabilities. Please contact us for further information about disabled-access.
Kessia's Cottage Card
To help families enjoy the many attractions of the local area, over twenty businesses support families directly through the Kessia's Cottage Card. The card offers free or half-price meals and discounted entry to fun parks, museums, lighthouses, mini-golf parks and other great attractions.
Thanks to our donors and supporters
We acknowledge the generous support of these companies and individuals:
Addendum II Pty Ltd
AirServices Australia
Aussie Wool Quilts
Barbeques Galore
Bark King, Melbourne
Bellarine Garden Ornaments
Big W Discount Stores
Billabong Australia
Bunnings Warehouse
Educational Experience
Envirogreen
EzyDVD
Forty Winks, Geelong
Home Hardware, Ocean Grove
HPM
Mattel Toys
National Tiles
Network Video
Nylex
O'Neill Australia
Playspace Playgrounds
Ray's Outdoors
Ripcurl
Roadshow Entertainment
Ross Parke The Good Guys, Geelong
The Sleep Doctor, ACT
Universal Pictures Videos
Wallace Park Linen
Wattly Paints
Special thanks to:
Paul Drake, Manager, Home Hardware Ocean Grove
Belinda and Lance Irwin
Thelma Evans & Big Bill's Beauties, Quilting Group
Mick O'Brien, Handybloke
Frank Verhoeff, Fix it Quick Home Maintenance
Steve and Cathy Flynn, Traditional Painter
Malcolm Mercer, Ceramic Tilers
Geoff's Dial-A-Garbo
"We have all had a wonderful holiday... I (mum) haven't slept this well for years. Thanks for this great opportunity to have a break from routine and recharge the batteries."
"It was a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect and take stock following a particularly difficult time and to allow all of us to relax and have fun together."
"We would like to thank the local supporters of the Kessia Card which assured we had plenty of food and happy tummies!!!!"
"This was just what we needed after 16 years of illness and suffering and the constant visits to the hospital in the last two months."
"This week will always be remembered by us as a special time in all our lives."
To the left: Kessia's parents, Denise Chang and Geoff McConnell, at the official opening of the cottage.
The first Ronald McDonald Family Retreat in Victoria was opened on 23rd November 2005 in Ocean Grove by the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), Mr Malcolm Coutts.
Many local businesses have helped to refurbish Kessia's Cottage, either through the supply of materials, goods or labour. Bunnings Warehouse recently completed a generous make-over which will greatly benefit families staying at the cottage.
Mr Malcolm Coutts said: "For seriously ill children, we hope their stay at Kessia's Cottage will provide them with renewed energy for their continuing treatment. For palliative children or for recently bereaved families, our wish is to provide a family oriented and relaxing environment to maximise quality time together."
A successful dinner auction raises $40,000!
The night before the Official Opening, a black-tie fundraising dinner was held at Geelong's Le Parisiene.
McDonald licensees from across Victoria attended, as did local supporters and members of Bunnings Waurn Ponds who renovated the cottage.
Master of Ceremonies, Billy Brownless, urged patrons to dig deep for a good cause. With fine food and wine flowing, $40,000 was pledged at an auction of a dozen items. An anonymous person promised to renovate the cottage's kitchen free of charge.
Contact Us
Ronald McDonald Family Retreat - Kessia's Cottage
House Manager: For family applications
Executive Officer: Jennifer North
Executive Officer
Monash Ronald McDonald House
Address:n/a
Telephone: (03) 9562 6223
After Hours Telephone / Mobile: n/a
Fax: (03) 9562 6466
Email: Jennifer_north@rmhmonash.org.au
A place for families to grow stronger together
Kessia's Cottage Ronald McDonald Family Retreat is a single level, bright and relaxing holiday home for families with a seriously ill child or for families recently bereaved.The Cottage is located in the seaside town of Ocean Grove, Victoria. It provides a peaceful escape for families to regroup, reenergise, and spend quality time away from hospitals and everyday distractions.
Extra assistance is close at hand
For additional peace of mind, families staying at the Cottage may arrange for nursing assistance from the local palliative care team. Equipment loans such as wheelchairs, commode chairs or oxygen machines may also be arranged.
Who can stay?
A family is able to use Kessia's Cottage if their child has been diagnosed with a serious or life threatening condition, or if the family has been recently bereaved following the death of a child. There is no cost and families are able to stay for up to one week.
How to apply
You can download an application form, please see to the left.
Location and Facilities
Ocean Grove, VictoriaKessia's Cottage Ronald McDonald Family Retreat is in Ocean Grove, a beautiful seaside town on the Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria. It is 1hrs drive south of Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital and Monash Medical Centre, and half an hour from Geelong Hospital.
Ocean Grove is a popular holiday spot close to Torquay and the start of the spectacular Great Ocean Road. The historic towns of Barwon Heads and Queenscliff are just next door, as are pick-your-own strawberry farms, amusement parks, lighthouses for visiting, rock pools to ramble around, or beaches galore to laze by.
You can find out more about Ocean Grove here.
Cottage Facilities
Kessia's Cottage Ronald McDonald Family Retreat provides a wide range of facilities outdoor games room, children's playground, BBQ deck and fairy garden. There are games and books, a video and DVD library, beach toys, boogey boards, picnic gear and even wetsuits!
There is a fully equipped kitchen and laundry, plus all linen, towels and bedding are provided. The Cottage sleeps eight, with a single adjustable bed in the main bedroom in case a sick child wants to 'room-in' with mum and dad. Grandparents or other carers are welcome to come along to help with the family.
The Cottage is wheelchair accessible, though may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. The bathrooms provide limited access only for those with disabilities. Please contact us for further information about disabled-access.
Outstanding support from the local community
Kessia's Cottage Ronald McDonald Family Retreat enjoys outstanding and friendly support from the Ocean Grove community and functions with the valuable assistance of volunteers. Many businesses have helped outfit the cottage by contributing free or discounted goods and services, helping families enjoy Kessia's Cottage even more.Kessia's Cottage Card
To help families enjoy the many attractions of the local area, over twenty businesses support families directly through the Kessia's Cottage Card. The card offers free or half-price meals and discounted entry to fun parks, museums, lighthouses, mini-golf parks and other great attractions.
Thanks to our donors and supporters
We acknowledge the generous support of these companies and individuals:
Addendum II Pty Ltd
AirServices Australia
Aussie Wool Quilts
Barbeques Galore
Bark King, Melbourne
Bellarine Garden Ornaments
Big W Discount Stores
Billabong Australia
Bunnings Warehouse
Educational Experience
Envirogreen
EzyDVD
Forty Winks, Geelong
Home Hardware, Ocean Grove
HPM
Mattel Toys
National Tiles
Network Video
Nylex
O'Neill Australia
Playspace Playgrounds
Ray's Outdoors
Ripcurl
Roadshow Entertainment
Ross Parke The Good Guys, Geelong
The Sleep Doctor, ACT
Universal Pictures Videos
Wallace Park Linen
Wattly Paints
Special thanks to:
Paul Drake, Manager, Home Hardware Ocean Grove
Belinda and Lance Irwin
Thelma Evans & Big Bill's Beauties, Quilting Group
Mick O'Brien, Handybloke
Frank Verhoeff, Fix it Quick Home Maintenance
Steve and Cathy Flynn, Traditional Painter
Malcolm Mercer, Ceramic Tilers
Geoff's Dial-A-Garbo
Family Feedback
Some messages from our guest book"We have all had a wonderful holiday... I (mum) haven't slept this well for years. Thanks for this great opportunity to have a break from routine and recharge the batteries."
"It was a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect and take stock following a particularly difficult time and to allow all of us to relax and have fun together."
"We would like to thank the local supporters of the Kessia Card which assured we had plenty of food and happy tummies!!!!"
"This was just what we needed after 16 years of illness and suffering and the constant visits to the hospital in the last two months."
"This week will always be remembered by us as a special time in all our lives."
Official Opening
A well earned day of celebrationTo the left: Kessia's parents, Denise Chang and Geoff McConnell, at the official opening of the cottage.
The first Ronald McDonald Family Retreat in Victoria was opened on 23rd November 2005 in Ocean Grove by the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), Mr Malcolm Coutts.
Many local businesses have helped to refurbish Kessia's Cottage, either through the supply of materials, goods or labour. Bunnings Warehouse recently completed a generous make-over which will greatly benefit families staying at the cottage.
Mr Malcolm Coutts said: "For seriously ill children, we hope their stay at Kessia's Cottage will provide them with renewed energy for their continuing treatment. For palliative children or for recently bereaved families, our wish is to provide a family oriented and relaxing environment to maximise quality time together."
A successful dinner auction raises $40,000!
The night before the Official Opening, a black-tie fundraising dinner was held at Geelong's Le Parisiene.
McDonald licensees from across Victoria attended, as did local supporters and members of Bunnings Waurn Ponds who renovated the cottage.
Master of Ceremonies, Billy Brownless, urged patrons to dig deep for a good cause. With fine food and wine flowing, $40,000 was pledged at an auction of a dozen items. An anonymous person promised to renovate the cottage's kitchen free of charge.
Contact Us
Ronald McDonald Family Retreat - Kessia's CottageHouse Manager: For family applications
Executive Officer: Jennifer North
Executive Officer
Monash Ronald McDonald House
Address:n/a
Telephone: (03) 9562 6223
After Hours Telephone / Mobile: n/a
Fax: (03) 9562 6466
Email: Jennifer_north@rmhmonash.org.au
Kessia's Cottage Ronald McDonald Family Retreat is Ronald McDonald House Charities' second holiday home in Australia. It was originally established by KessiaCare Foundation in 2003.
Please see to the left for a copy of an application form.
