2
Play Areas
8
Units
130
Volunteers
Staying at the house
Ronald McDonald House Orange 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 the Orange Health Service Hospital.
Adjacent to Orange Health Service Hospital, our House can accommodate eight families each night in spacious, comfortable rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Our large communal living areas and leafy garden setting help create a close-knit, community vibe.
Our Team
Our tirelessly dedicated team of staff are guided by our Executive Officer Rebecca Walsh. Our House also relies on a committed group of volunteers who generously give their time to make our families feel welcome and supported.
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 kids who need to travel to Orange Health Service Hospital. Our House also supports mothers going through high risk or with premature babies requiring regular hospital care, as well as the families of Child and Adolescent Mental Health patients.
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.
When able, we also accommodate families travelling to Orange for pre-admission and post-operative check-ups.
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.
We supply basic food items like bread, milk, tea and coffee, and even the delicious home-baked treats now and then, courtesy of our volunteers.
Make an enquiry
There are three ways to get in touch with us:
Call the house on (02) 6363 1960
Email us at: admin.orange@rmhc.org.au
Request a referral from a social worker or medical authority.
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
1502 Forest Road, Park Drive Bloomfield Campus Orange NSW 2800
House location
We are a three-minute walk away from the Orange Health Service campus. We’re also directly opposite the Orange Ex-Services Country Club, which has an 18-hole golf course, a swimming pool, tennis courts and other leisure facilities onsite. The train station and Orange town centre are an easy 10-minute drive away, where you’ll find cafes, restaurants and supermarkets.
Contact us
1502 Forest Road, Park Drive Bloomfield Campus, Orange NSW 2800
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
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By car
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By bus
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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.
Family rooms
Our comfortably furnished family bedrooms can accommodate families of up to 6 people (only one family per room). All our family rooms have their own ensuite bathrooms, airy private verandas and a TV and DVD player. Two of our family rooms are self-contained, with their own kitchen and laundry facilities for kids staying at the House as outpatients but requiring isolation as a medical necessity.
The hub of the house
The air conditioned open plan living area, which includes our communal kitchen, dining area, lounge, teenage retreat and kid’s play space is definitely the heart and soul of the House, a place where families can to get to know one another, tell stories and express their support. The kitchen is well equipped and each family is allocated their own fridge, freezer and pantry space.
Our open plan hub also opens directly out to the outside areas. With lots of large windows, you can watch the kids play outside while you relax inside in the lounge room.
Teenager's retreat
A dedicated spot for older kids to take a break from the toddlers and babies, the teenagers’ retreat is where our teen guests can catch up on a fave TV show, watch a movie, escape to videogame land for a short while, or participate in the Big Brother, Big Sister Homework Program. There are two separate living areas just for our teens – one for a socialising and a quieter space for a bit of chill-out time or a chance to catch up on some homework.
Kids play space
For kids five and under, our playroom occupies a brightly coloured corner of our open plan living area, which means you can curl up on our couches with a favourite magazine, knowing the littlies are safe and close-by. The playroom has plenty to keep youngsters occupied, including toys, games, activities and books.
Indoor playground
A sunny space inside with play equipment for the little ones to explore under the watchful eye of mum, dad or the grandparents.
Outdoor BBQ area
The outdoor area is shaded by our beautiful heritage listed trees. Invite over a guest or two, cook up a storm on the BBQ and let the kids run loose and burn some energy on our fully-fenced lawn. After a long day in the wards and hallways of the hospital, our sunny lawn is the perfect spot just to unwind out of doors.
Laundry
Our communal laundry is where you go to have a quick catch up with other parents while the washing gets up sorted. Machines and laundry powder are supplied free of charge.
Parking
Secure parking for guests of Ronald McDonald House Orange is available on site.
House Programs
Ronald McDonald House Orange 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 across Orange.
There are many ways you can contribute to our Ronald McDonald House.
Get Involved
Discuss how you, your organisation, school or business can help and become involved.
Call us: (02) 6363 1960
Email us:
Fundraise For Us
Whether it’s a holding a raffle, a fundraiser in your club or workplace or even riding, running or walking for a good cause, by raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities Orange, you will be making a tremendous difference to the lives of families who have a sick or injured child.
To find our more about fundraising for us, call us on (02) 6363 1960 or email admin@rmhorange.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 about becoming a Corporate Partner, email us at admin@rmhorange.org.au or call us on (02) 6363 1960
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 in your Will. Your gift will provide love, care and support for seriously ill children and their families whenever they need it.
To find out more, call us on (02) 6363 1960 or email admin@rmhorange.org.au