Perth builder funds sensory and soft play rooms at WA’s first children’s hospice

Michael and Brooke Agostino donated $149,832 to fully fit out two rooms at Sandcastles (Boodja Mia), Western Australia’s first dedicated children’s hospice. The support adds sensory and soft play spaces designed to help children with life-limiting conditions and their families during respite and end-of-life care.

Why it matters: - The donation helps create calmer, more usable spaces for children with life-limiting conditions at Western Australia’s first dedicated children’s hospice. - The fit-out adds rooms intended to support comfort, relief and family time during respite and end-of-life care. - The gift also signals an ongoing relationship between Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Agostino family and their businesses.

What happened: - Michael Agostino and his wife Brooke donated $149,832 in July 2026. - The donation fully funded the fit-out of two rooms at Sandcastles (Boodja Mia). - Sandcastles opened in October 2026 near Swanbourne Beach in Perth. - Michael Agostino is Managing Director of Perth builders Trendsetter Homes and Select Living.

The details: - The two rooms are a sensory room and a soft play room. - The rooms include soft play structures, interactive sensory lighting, low-stimulation zones, therapeutic seating and flexible space for families. - The spaces are designed for children with life-limiting conditions. - The rooms are meant to offer comfort and relief during respite and end-of-life care. - Sandcastles was delivered by Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation in partnership with the WA Government’s Child and Adolescent Health Service. - The hospice includes seven beds, family rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, clinical spaces and outdoor play areas. - The donation started an ongoing relationship between PCHF and the Agostinos, Trendsetter Homes and Select Living. - Michael Agostino said the decision was easy once the couple understood what hospice care could mean for a sick child and the child’s family. - Michael Agostino said walking through the building with the PCHF team made the need feel real. - Michael Agostino said the hospice does not feel like a hospital, and that is the point. - The release directs supporters to learn more about Sandcastles and the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation at 5 Odern Crescent, Swanbourne WA 6010.

Between the lines: - The donation appears to focus on the emotional and sensory needs of children, not only clinical care. - The fit-out also gives the hospice a more homelike environment, which may matter to families facing long or difficult stays. - The involvement of a local builder and family business adds a community angle to the project.

What’s next: - Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Agostino family are expected to continue their relationship beyond the initial fit-out. - Sandcastles will likely use the newly completed rooms as part of its broader hospice services for children and families. - Supporters can contact Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation or visit the Swanbourne site for more information.

The bottom line: - A local builder’s six-figure gift has helped turn two rooms at Western Australia’s first children’s hospice into therapeutic spaces for children and families.