Children’s hospice Boodja Mia finally under construction in Allen Park, near Swanbourne Beach

A hospice by the ocean for dying kids in WA is finally under construction, years after it was proposed. The $34 million Boodja Mia — or Sand Castles — hospice in Allen Park, near Swanbourne Beach, met stiff opposition from the City of Nedlands council, with one councillor fearing it could be hit in a war due to its proximity to an army barracks. Before turning the sod on the landmark project, Premier Roger Cook acknowledged the “obstacles and debate” from the council. “It hasn’t been an easy project to land, I’ve got to be honest. But the sort of troubles that we’ve confronted are nothing compared to the troubles that the kids who will be coming to this facility will experience,” Mr Cook said. The hospice, nestled in bushland, will have seven bedrooms, suites for families, a bereavement suite, a hydrotherapy pool and a playground. It will also include a memorial garden and therapy and clinical spaces. Boodja Mia is expected to open in late 2025, with the main construction works starting in April of this year. Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the facility would be a home away from home for children with terminal illnesses. Ms Sanderson said the objections from council were “unreasonable” and paid tribute to local member Dr Katrina Stratton, who helped rally and sustain local support despite the council’s stance. Barbara Goodwin, whose four-year-old son Winnie has a terminal illness, has long advocated for the project and thanked everyone who “pushed and persevered to make it happen”. “It will be a safe haven when times are tough,” she said. “The hospice will also be a place where families can turn to when it comes to the end of life phase.”