There is something special about a community that comes together to create a lasting impact for its most vulnerable members. Bendigo Bank House, home of the McKellar Kids Rehabilitation Service, stands as a powerful testament to the generosity of local people supporting local kids. More than just bricks and mortar, this facility represents hope, healing, and the spirit of philanthropy in our region.
The story of Bendigo Bank House is one of extraordinary kindness. Through the power of giving, $3.6 million was raised in 2021 - not by government funding or global corporate giants, but by everyday people, local businesses, and families who believed in a better future for children in need.
The story of Bendigo Bank House is one of extraordinary kindness. Completely powered by the generosity of the community, $3.6 million was raised in 2021 one hundred percent by our community - everyday people, local businesses, and families who believed in a better future for children in need. These were local donations, made from the heart, with the knowledge that they would directly support local children facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
Every brick, tile, fence post, floorboard, piece of equipment, and every lick of paint was made possible by the generosity of our community. Today, McKellar Kids Rehab Service provides life-changing care for children recovering from serious illness, injury, or managing lifelong disabilities. It is a place where children take their first steps after learning to walk again, where they regain strength, mobility, and confidence. For families, it is a sanctuary of expert care, compassion, and the reassurance that their child is receiving the best possible rehabilitation close to home.
This year, on April 22, Bendigo Bank House marks three years of caring for local kids within the new facility. In that time, countless families and young people have had their lives touched by the exceptional care, dedication, and expertise of the clinicians who work within its walls.
The generosity that built Bendigo Bank House is not just about today - it is also about the future. It ensures every child who comes through its doors has access to world-class rehabilitation services, state-of-the-art equipment, and dedicated healthcare professionals who empower them to thrive. Every dollar invested in this facility translates to a child gaining independence, a parent finding hope, and a community growing stronger together.
It means families no longer have to travel back and forth to Melbourne for their child to receive specialised rehab therapy.
It also means financial and emotional strains on families are lessened, and parents are close to their own support networks and can lean on them when in need.
Having this kind of care, close to home is truly priceless.
When we support causes within our own community, we see the direct impact of our generosity and know that it can help those we love when in need. Donating locally doesn’t just fund buildings and equipment - it invests in local clinicians, ensuring they have the resources to provide exceptional care to local children, right here close to home.
Bendigo Bank House is proof that when a community stands together, it can achieve incredible things. To every donor, no matter big or small, you have changed lives. You have created a legacy where miracles can happen.
There is something uniquely powerful about giving local, because everyone in our region deserves the very best care, right here in our town.
Zoe Waters
Executive Director
Barwon Health Foundation
