Country families who have needed to spend time in Perth while their children receive medical treatment were given a chance to reconnect with a piece of home through a new event designed just for them.
The inaugural Brave Bush Kids Muster, created by regional charity Kelpies for Kids, used Claremont Showgrounds to create the atmosphere of a country field day for families staying in the city while accessing specialist care.
The event, held on Saturday July 4, saw the Showgrounds filled with cute horses, sheep, cows, and of course — adorable Kelpies.
For many regional families, travelling to Perth for treatment means leaving behind farms, schools, pets, extended family and the routines that provide children with comfort during an already stressful time.
Little Telethon Star 2024 Charlee Hosking attended the event with her family, with her mother Sharnee Hosking saying the experience led them to connect with Kelpies for Kids Founder and Chair, Kate Willcocks.
“Charlee was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016 when she was two years old, she was given a 100km radius outside the children’s hospital where she could go,” Ms Hosking said.
“From there, we’ve become involved with many charities throughout our hospital journey. She was selected to be Little Telethon Star in 2024 and that’s how we crossed paths with Kate and Kelpies for kids, and we’ve just become part of the family.
“We are originally from Kalgoorlie, so we know a lot of country kids miss out on that country experience when they move to the city — so its really lovely for them to experience that again.”
Ms Hosking said Charlee would have loved to have had something like this back in 2016.
“She would have thoroughly enjoyed it, playing in muddy puddles, bringing back those childhood little memories,” she said.
The event provides opportunities for children to have a safe place to play and explore while giving parents and carers the time to connect with others who understand the challenges of long-term medical treatment away from home.
The Pitts, a family from WA’s South West, have spent months in Perth while their three children received medical care and know all too well the difficulties of navigating the practical and emotional reality of being away from home for extended periods of time.
Natasha Pitts said being in Perth for treatment had impacted the entire family.
“Living with a child who has complex medical needs can be incredibly isolating, especially over time,” Ms Pitts said.
“While friends and family care, it’s hard for others to truly understand what it’s like to spend so much of your life in hospitals, travelling for appointments, waiting for scan results and carrying the constant uncertainty that comes with a child’s health journey.”
Ms Willcocks said the event was designed to create a safe and familiar place for country families facing an incredibly challenging time.
“We are working to create a welcoming and authentic atmosphere that reflects community spirit and country values, while giving families a restorative break from the stress of medical treatment,” Ms Willcocks said.
“This is the first year of what we hope will become an annual event for regional families in Perth for medical care.
“The Brave Bush Kids City Muster has been designed to bring the feel of an agricultural field day to Perth, while also ensuring the environment is inclusive, sensory-aware and gentle for children and families.
“It is about giving families the chance to connect, explore and experience something familiar, supportive and joyful while they are away from home.”
Ms Pitts said events like this are important as they provide an opportunity for families facing similar circumstances to connect.
“Events like the Brave Bush Kids City Muster are so important because they bring families together who don’t need explanations. There is an immediate understanding of the challenges, the fears, the sacrifices and the resilience that come with raising children with additional needs,” Ms Pitts said.
“For a moment you don’t feel like the odd one out. You feel connected, supported and understood.”
Kelpies for Kids, which also raises funds for Telethon through its annual working dog auctions, has donated more than $120,000 to the charity in their first two years.
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