For 30 years, Ronald McDonald Herston House has stood as more than just a place to stay – it has been a safe haven for thousands of families facing the unimaginable. Since opening its doors on October 25, 1995, Ronald McDonald Herston House has welcomed families with open arms as they navigate some of life’s most challenging moments.
The House doesn’t just support families with ill or injured children – it also provides vital accommodation for mothers experiencing high-risk pregnancies and families with premature babies receiving neonatal care. In these delicate and often unpredictable situations, having a safe, nearby place to stay can make all the difference.
Each night, up to 51 families call Ronald McDonald Herston House home. Nestled close to the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital and just a short drive from the Queensland Children’s Hospital, the House has supported and cared for more than 40,000 families since its opening.
Through a combination of sponsorships, raffles, live auctions, and the Pick Up the Tab initiative, the event raised over $70,000 in support of families with ill or injured children. The money raised equals over 437 nights of accommodation for families staying in one of our Ronald McDonald Houses.
1992 – Ronald McDonald House Charities creates Herston Hill Spinney Inc on March 24 to oversee the establishment of a Ronald McDonald House at Herston
1995 – Ronald McDonald House signs a 75-year lease with Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital
1995 – Herston House opened on October 25 1995
1996 – Approval is given for second wing
2003 – Herston House opens second wing ‘Annex’, making it the largest in the Southern Hemisphere at the time
2009 – Both Houses (Mater & Herston) amalgamate their boards and formed Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland
2024 – Herston House opens four new accommodation rooms, bringing total to 51
In August 2023, at 17 years old, Kaleb was involved in a devastating motorbike accident. He suffered multiple life-threatening injuries, including a significant brain injury, and was urgently flown to Brisbane for critical care. His family followed, hearts heavy and minds racing with no plan for where they would stay – only the desperate need to be by Kaleb’s side.
That’s when Ronald McDonald Herston House became their lifeline. From the early days of uncertainty in the ICU to the long road of rehabilitation, the House allowed Kaleb’s family to stay close, strong, and together.
As we celebrate 30 years of Herston House, we honour the thousands of families who have walked through its doors, the volunteers and employees who make it feel like home, and the donors and supporters who ensure its legacy continues. Because of wonderful people like these, thousands of families have faced their hardest days with comfort and care. Here’s to the next chapter – to many more years of caring for families with ill or injured children.
RMHC SEQ relies on the financial support of the entire community to help us support thousands of families each year. Without these generous contributions, we would be unable to keep our doors open to families in need 365 days a year.
We would love to hear from you!
"*" indicates required fields
"*" indicates required fields
We would love to hear from you!
"*" indicates required fields
"*" indicates required fields
