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 in hospital with Max and experienced firsthand the needs of many sick children and their families. The Foundation aims to raise funds for specific projects targeting children.
The George Gregan Foundation is committed to raising funds for specific projects targeting children.
The objectives of the Foundation are:
- To build playgrounds in children's hospitals across Australia; and
- To train doctors who specialise in the treatment of children with
epilepsy and other neurological conditions
George Gregan Foundation Playgrounds
The George Gregan Foundation playgrounds are unlike any other playground in Australia. The outdoor spaces have walkways, play equipment, shade and rest elements for sick children. Each playground is tactile, interactive and enjoyable. The design and construction of the playgrounds is the result of significant specialised input from architects, children's therapists, educators, doctors and patients.
The estimated cost of each playground is in excess of $600,000. To date the Foundation has raised more than two million dollars from events held in Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra.
The first George Gregan Foundation playground opened in October 2006 at the Children's Hospital in Westmead. The Foundation’s second playground was opened at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Brisbane in September 2008.
This year the Foundation is building an all-access playground at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick. A site has been chosen for the playground and planning has commenced.
The Foundation is also committed to building an all access playground at the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital being built in Canberra. With the help of our partners, ACT Brumbies and the support of ACT schools and businesses, we have raised funds towards building this playground which is due to be completed by June 2012.
Beyond these projects, we are in discussions with other major hospitals and hope that one day George Gregan Foundation playgrounds will feature in children’s hospitals across Australia.
George Gregan Epilepsy Fellowships
Another important objective of the George Gregan Foundation is to raise funds towards the training of medical practitioners who specialise in the treatment of children suffering from epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
Since 2006 the Foundation has funded a Fellowship in Neurology at Westmead Children's Hospital. The George Gregan Epilepsy Fellowship provides clinical experience in the assessment, investigation and management of children with new onset and refractory seizure disorders.
This year the Foundation is also funding a Fellowship in Neurology at the Mater Children's and Royal Children's Hospitals in Brisbane. The role of the Fellow is to support the clinical care of children with epilepsy at both hospitals, in the inpatient and outpatient settings.
