3
Play Areas
25
Bedrooms
400
Families stay a year
Staying at the house
Our Townsville House gives seriously ill children the best gift of all – their families. Our warm and supportive home-away-from-home provides the whole family with a comfortable place to stay and peace of mind, knowing they can stay together and close to their child in hospital.
A beautiful, modern and welcoming place to stay, Ronald McDonald House Townsville offers 25 family rooms including 4 self-contained units for families when they need it most.
Our Team
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.
Who’s eligible to stay with us?
Keeping the family together can be extremely tough without support, which is why we offer accommodation for parents with seriously ill children who need to travel Townsville 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. Priority is given to families whose children have been recently diagnosed, seriously injured or who require emergency treatment, as well as families of premature babies.
Fees
Ronald McDonald House understands that being away from home for long periods of time can put families under financial pressure. That’s why our accommodation is free for eligible families of seriously ill 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 the 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.
To find out if you’re eligible for government financial assistance, contact your hospital social worker or talk to one of our team.
Want to know more?
Being forced to move your family far from home, work, school and your entire support network due to a child’s illness 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 short or long their stay. Thanks to the generosity of the local community, we’re 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.
Make an enquiry
There are two ways to get in touch with us:
Request a referral from a social worker or medical authority.
Call the House on (07) 4775 5600
Keeping our families safe COVID-19
Given the current COVID-19 situation, continuing to provide a safe and supportive environment for families of seriously ill children at our Ronald McDonald Houses and Programs is our absolute priority.
For the latest information please visit rmhc.org.au/covid-19
House location
Ronald McDonald House Townsville is located on the Townsville Hospital campus, directly adjacent to the main building, which houses the Children’s Ward, Special Care Unit, Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Women and Children’s Clinics. The wards are approximately a five minute walk away.
Contact us
100 Angus Smith Drive,
Douglas QLD 4814
Keeping our families safe COVID-19
Given the current COVID-19 situation, continuing to provide a safe and supportive environment for families of seriously ill children at our Ronald McDonald Houses and Programs is our absolute priority.
For the latest information please visit rmhc.org.au/covid-19
How to get there
By train
Please see instructions for Bus.
By car
Ronald McDonald House Townsville has onsite parking, located at 100 Angus Smith Drive
By bus
Sunbus Routes 201 and 202 which stop at the Townsville Hospital.
House Facilities
While there’s no place like home, we do our best to create an environment that’s as homely as possible.
Whether you’ll be staying with us for just a couple of nights or have many months ahead of you, our house functions as a real home, with everything you need to get through trying times together.
Bedrooms and self-contained suites
We have 25 comfortable bedrooms, all with private ensuite bathrooms. We can provide additional bedding arrangements to sleep families of various sizes. For children living at the House who require isolation as a medical necessity, four of our guest rooms are totally self-contained suites with private kitchens and laundries.
Communal Kitchens
Our House has two spacious, fully-equipped communal stainless steel kitchens fitted with high quality appliances. With over 10 cookers available, families can cook and eat at a time that suits them, without having to compete for space.
Family Lounges
There are two separate lounge areas within the house, both conveniently close to the kitchens. Spacious and furnished with cosy seats and couches, they serve as perfect chill-out zones for families. Share stories and mingle with the other families or unwind with your favourite show on Foxtel.
Library
Our library is stocked with an extensive selection of books, generously donated by members of the community. The library is a quiet space to nab yourself a bit of me time or a quick nap, as you sink into the ultra-comfortable leather recliners donated by our sponsors at La-Z-Boy.
Outdoor Areas
Living in North Queensland is all about spending time outdoors. We have outdoor toys and a kid’s playground with climbing equipment. Cook up a storm with our two BBQ burners and share a meal with family and visiting guests in our inviting alfresco dining setting.
Mini Golf Course
Yes, we really do have a five-hole mini putt-putt course in our own backyard! A few leisurely rounds is a great way to get to know new friends. Everyone gets a taste of having a bit of a day out, without having to worry about leaving the hospital grounds. Grab your clubs, balls and score cards from the staff at our front desk.
Games Room
Our games room is a great place for kids to hang out and bond. For the older children, there are computer consoles and a pool table, while a dedicated area for our younger guests has plenty of toys, games and kid’s flicks on DVD. With sofas to relax on, parents have a comfortable spot from which to watch over their little ones.
Laundry Facilities
We have three communal laundries for the use of our guests and we also supply washing powder.
House Programs
Ronald McDonald House Townsville is an independent charity that relies on the work of our volunteers and the financial support of individual and corporate donations.
Without their generous contributions, we would be unable to keep our doors open to families in need 365 days a year. Thanks to the public, we’ve been able to continually expand our operations to help more families and communities in Townsville.
There are many ways you can contribute to our vital programs including our House, Family Room, Family Retreat and the Learning Program.
Get Involved
Discuss how you, your organisation, school or business can help and become involved.
Call us:
(07) 4755 5600
Email us:
reception.na@rmhc.org.au
Fundraise for us
We welcome support from businesses and corporates who wish to embark on a fundraising exercise for Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia. The main thing here is to host events that you find FUN! These activities may include but are not limited to: gold coin days, quiz nights, silly sock days, corporate golf days, fashion shows, talent nights, ladies days, coffee mornings, raffles, auctions and so forth. We would love to hear any ideas of your own!
For further information on hosting your own fundraising event for our charity, email us at na@rmhc.org.au
Workplace Giving
Workplace giving is an effective way employees can contribute to vital projects at Ronald McDonald House. Workplace giving is a payroll contribution scheme where direct pre-tax donations from registered employees have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of families with seriously ill children.
How it works: Donations are deducted each pay period direct from your gross salary, by arrangement with your employer's payroll department. All you need to do is decide on the amount you wish to give, it's that simple.
Because your donations are processed through your pay you receive an immediate, guaranteed tax deduction - you do not have to collect, keep and claim receipts. Contributions are pre-tax and tax-free! For tax advice, it is recommended you contact your Accountant or Tax Advisor.
Regular Giving Recurring donations can be made from your credit card with a receipt issued to show your donation history for taxation purposes.
Emails us at na@rmhc.org.au to find out more.
Adopt-A-Room
Your business or community group can adopt a room to help with maintenance and upkeep. Your company logo will be displayed on the room entrance door and you’ll receive an impact report on the number of families your sponsorship has helped.
For more information regarding room sponsorships, please email us at na@rmhc.org.au
Feast With Friends
The Feast with Friends Dinner Program invites teams of co-workers, community groups, friends and family members to prepare dinner for the families staying at the House. Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia provides the kitchen, and you provide the food and enthusiastic chefs! You’ll be rewarded with a fun and meaningful experience, while you help make our families lives that little bit easier.
Dress up, decorate the dining room, theme your experience how you wish. Groups wishing to take part will be asked to make a financial contribution which will cover the costs of ingredients.
After cooking dinner, we encourage you to sit down and enjoy dinner whilst spending time getting to know our RMHCNA families. Then finish up your evening with a tour of our fabulous home away from home. We can ensure you’ll have an awesome time and a very rewarding experience, all whilst helping make families lives that little bit easier.
Contact as na@rmhc.org.au to find out more.
Leave a Gift in your Will
Leaving a gift in your will, or a bequest, is a wonderful legacy for future generations. Anyone can leave a charitable bequest. It is a powerful way to make a positive impact on the future, without affecting your finances in the present.
Whenever the time is right for you, please consider remembering Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia in your Will. Your gift will provide love, care and support for seriously ill children and their families whenever they need it.
Information for Solicitors & Executors
If you or your client intend to leave a Bequest to RMHC North Australia, the correct legal name to use is Castle Hill Spinney Ltd operating as Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia.
Our ABN is 24 254 114 823 and our registered office address is 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, QLD
The charity is registered with the Australia Commission for Not-for-profits and Charities (ACNC). We also have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. When taking instructions from your client about their charitable intentions, please consider the tax implications for the estate and the tax benefits of transferring assets from an estate to a charity with DGR status.
For further information, please contact us at na@rmhc.org.au
Become a Corporate Partner
Our charity is able to bring comfort and care to thousands of families Australia-wide, largely thanks to the generosity of like-minded businesses and individuals who provide significant financial, in-kind and volunteering support year-on-year.
We strive to create mutually beneficial partnerships with organisations who are committed to our mission of supporting the ever-changing needs of seriously ill children and their families.
To find out more about becoming a Corporate Partner, please contact us at na@rmhc.org.au