Bear Cottage

Bear Cottage Bear Cottage is the only children’s hospice in NSW, one of only three in Australia, and the only one in the world affiliated with a children’s hospital.

Bear Cottage provides support, respite and end of life care for children with life limiting conditions and their families. Located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches in Manly, our vision is to be as far removed from a hospital environment as possible. Staff don’t wear uniforms and children’s rooms are designed to be like a normal bedroom. This ‘home away from home’ is complete with a therapy dog called Beau, who is always around to provide some extra comfort. That said, Bear Cottage is set up to provide excellence in paediatric medical care 24-hours a day, and our affiliation to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network means we have access to some of the best medical resources in the world. Bear Cottage has ten children's bedrooms and three family units. Children may stay at Bear Cottage unaccompanied or with family or carers. There is communal tea room, lounge room and outdoor areas to relax and enjoy the view. There is a quiet room, spa room, multi sensory room, teen room with TVs and video game consoles, messy play area and an outdoor wheelchair swing and seesaw. With a wheelchair accessible pathway down to Shelly Beach nearby, it is possible to enjoy the beachside location and the city of Sydney is just a short ferry ride away. Bear Cottage has a Child Life Therapist, Music Therapist, Art Therapist, Physiotherapist and Social Worker as well as a full time chef and housekeeping staff. Families can do as much or as little as they choose whilst staying at Bear Cottage. There is no charge to families for their stay at Bear Cottage and we rely on the community for donations. For more information, please visit our website at www.bearcottage.org.au

It was our pleasure to welcome nine grandparents (or as they called themselves, the "Naughty Nine") who came together at...
22/09/2025

It was our pleasure to welcome nine grandparents (or as they called themselves, the "Naughty Nine") who came together at the picturesque Q Station Manly for our annual Bear Cottage Grandparent’s Retreat.

As an important part of our Family Support Program, this retreat honours the special role grandparents play in the lives of our families and ensures they continue to feel supported for as long as they need. Facilitated by our Art Therapist and Social Worker, the Retreat provides a safe and nurturing space to share stories, laughter, and tears – through art therapy, walking tours, yoga, relaxing massages, and of course, a lively game of charades.

One grandparent shared: “Everyone has been so welcoming and made it easy to talk about my grandchild. I could cry when I needed to, without feeling embarrassed. I felt surrounded by love from strangers I can now call friends.”

From surprise birthday celebrations, to quiet moments of reflection, the Retreat served as a beautiful reminder that grandparents are never forgotten.

With heartfelt thanks to the incredibly generous Q Station Manly, Michelle from Abundant Sky, Corporate Bodies, and all our supporters who make this special gathering possible. 💕

Read more by visiting: https://bearcottage.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/articles/2025/09/grandparents-gathering-naughty-nine

A Bear Affair 2025 was a truly unforgettable evening, bringing our community together to support Bear Cottage. Together,...
17/09/2025

A Bear Affair 2025 was a truly unforgettable evening, bringing our community together to support Bear Cottage. Together, we raised more than $820,000 to help ensure that our children and families continue to receive the care and support they need. 🦋

The night was filled with heart, generosity and purpose. We send a very special thanks to James Lovell and Amy Harper, who spoke so movingly about their son Louis. They beautifully captured the joy of his life and highlighted the importance of the deep connections they have formed with Bear Cottage and the families they have met along the way.

We are sincerely grateful to the A Bear Affair Committee for their unwavering dedication in making this event possible – Lesley Montgomery (Chair), Amy Firth, Adam Macdessi, Christopher Humphries, Gillian Gale, Jean Hay AM, Jane Lavis, Kira Zoe Casey, Sharon Maroun, and Sonja Mole.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation, Bear Cottage Goodwill Ambassador Mike Baird, and our generous sponsors: Tony McCullough Foundation, Earthworx Group, Truckmate Australia, Tribeca, Earthing Solutions, IGM Group, Qantas, Pearls of Australia, Provident Project Management, Henry & Hymas, Device Technologies, Sukin Australian Natural Skincare, Calabria Family Wines, 4 Pines Brewing Company, House of K'dor, Château Tanunda, King Living, Da Orazio and Addicted to Maldives. Your generosity and commitment mean so much.

A special mention goes to our emcees, Jayne Azzopardi and Sean Maloney from Channel 9, and to our auctioneer, Toby Llewellyn, for their warmth and professionalism in ensuring the evening ran seamlessly. And finally, to all who joined us on the night – including many Bear Cottage families – thank you for uniting with us to ensure that Bear Cottage remains a place filled with compassion, care and love.

It was certainly a night to remember. 💕

Meet Kye – a bubbly little boy living with MPS III (Sanfilippo syndrome), a rare and devastating form of childhood demen...
17/09/2025

Meet Kye – a bubbly little boy living with MPS III (Sanfilippo syndrome), a rare and devastating form of childhood dementia.
Childhood dementia results from progressive brain damage and is caused by over 100 rare genetic disorders. Bear Cottage is privileged to support many children facing these challenges, and their families.

Kye’s condition slowly damages his brain, taking away his ability to walk, talk, eat and eventually breathe. Sadly, the survival rate is 0%.

Despite this, Kye is full of life and joy. His dad Jack shares:
"Kye loves watching his favourite shows like Daniel Tiger and Thomas the Tank Engine and is mesmerised by The Lorax. He’s an adventurer at heart – always leading the way on outdoor explorations, even if he doesn’t know where he’s going! He loves catching the changing traffic lights and will happily jump into water headfirst without a worry."

After their diagnosis, Bear Cottage became a lifeline. It gave the whole family a chance to rest and enjoy time together, knowing Kye was safe and cared for. Connecting with other families and the Bear Cottage staff helped them feel understood and supported.

Together with Bear Cottage, the family is determined to FACE it – raising awareness and hope for children living with childhood dementia. 💕

Read Kye’s full story here and more about the FACE it awareness campaign: https://bearcottage.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/articles/2025/09/kyes-journey-living-childhood-dementia-and-finding-support-bear-cottage

We were honoured to welcome 90 family members and friends to our annual 𝗔 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲 exhibition, held at the Int...
10/09/2025

We were honoured to welcome 90 family members and friends to our annual 𝗔 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲 exhibition, held at the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS).

This beautiful initiative, created in collaboration with artist Andrew Christie, the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation Art Program and the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Palliative Care teams, invites families to create a photographic pixel portrait using 30 specially chosen photos that come together to form the portrait of their beloved child.

Each image represents a memory, a moment, a piece of a life so beautifully lived. With Bear Cottage’s guidance, bereaved families selected photos of the people, places and things that shaped their child’s world - creating a lasting legacy of love.

For Huxley’s mum, Alisha, the portrait is one of the most precious things her family owns: “It’s made up of 30 photos – little pieces of Huxley’s life, his favourite things, and the people he loved most – all woven together to create his face. Every photo holds a memory: cuddles, smiles, hospital moments, his sister, and the things that made him happiest. When I look at it, I see more than just pictures. I see my boy’s story, his love, and the way he continues to be with us in everything we do. It’s a reminder that even though his time here was short, his life was full of love, and that love will never fade.”

A Little Piece of Me is a testament to the power of memory, art and storytelling – ensuring every child’s unique journey continues to shine brightly. 💕

“Working as the physiotherapist at Bear Cottage has been a profound privilege – one that has shaped my professional grow...
08/09/2025

“Working as the physiotherapist at Bear Cottage has been a profound privilege – one that has shaped my professional growth in lasting and meaningful ways.

The extraordinary families I work with have made the biggest impact, and through their insight, I’ve learned that truly effective care begins with listening. I’ve come to understand the importance of aligning therapeutic support with what matters most to each family.” – Lize, Bear Cottage Physiotherapist

Today is 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝘆, and we’re celebrating Lize for the care, dedication, and compassion she brings to Bear Cottage. Thank you for the vital role you play in helping children and families work towards their goals every day.

This Father’s Day, we acknowledge the special bond between children and the fathers who love them – a connection that is...
06/09/2025

This Father’s Day, we acknowledge the special bond between children and the fathers who love them – a connection that is truly out of this world. 🚀

To all the wonderful and devoted dads and father figures, we wish you a very Happy Father’s Day.

Whether you are celebrating or remembering, we are thinking of you and sending love all the way to the moon and back. 🌙 💕

FAREWELL NARELLE | After more than two decades of extraordinary service, our Nurse Manager, Narelle Martin OAM, is retir...
02/09/2025

FAREWELL NARELLE | After more than two decades of extraordinary service, our Nurse Manager, Narelle Martin OAM, is retiring from Bear Cottage.

Narelle first walked through our doors in 2001 and has been part of Bear Cottage since the very beginning. Over the years, she has dedicated her career – and her heart – to making Bear Cottage a place of comfort, love and joy for children and families facing the most difficult circumstances.

Narelle says, “Together, we created a place that brought happiness and warmth even in the most difficult of circumstances. Bear Cottage became a home – not just to the children and families who came to stay, but to all of us who poured our hearts into its purpose.”

Her leadership has shaped Bear Cottage into the unique, home-away-from-home it is. Narelle has been an unwavering advocate for families, introduced programs that have transformed the care we provide, and inspired staff, volunteers and supporters alike.

In recognition of her remarkable service, Narelle was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2016.

We are deeply grateful for her remarkable contribution and invite you to read her personal message here: https://tinyurl.com/8jfmvxkr

Please join us in wishing Narelle a very happy retirement – and in celebrating the extraordinary impact she has had on Bear Cottage and everyone who has been touched by her care. 💕

Today is Bereaved Father’s Day – a day that honours fathers whose children have died.To every father and father figure c...
30/08/2025

Today is Bereaved Father’s Day – a day that honours fathers whose children have died.

To every father and father figure carrying this grief – we see you, we honour you and we hold you in our thoughts.

Our hearts are with you. 💙

🌿☀️ 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂! 🎨🌻We were thrilled to welcome to Bear Cottage last week for a day filled with sunshine, creativity, and ...
26/08/2025

🌿☀️ 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂! 🎨🌻
We were thrilled to welcome to Bear Cottage last week for a day filled with sunshine, creativity, and connection (despite the forecast for rain!).

From rolling up their sleeves in the garden to jumping into our craft activity and participating fully in a powerful art session with our art therapist, their presence made a real impact.

The team brought energy, warmth, passion, and enthusiasm - something we've been lucky to experience over many years of their support. 💛

Thank you for being such incredible partners in our mission.

𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘀, 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 This past weekend, thanks to several of our Bear Cottage families had the thrill of a li...
21/08/2025

𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘀, 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀

This past weekend, thanks to several of our Bear Cottage families had the thrill of a lifetime at the Hot Wheels Monster Truck Glow-n-Fire Show!

From the roar of the engines to the flashing lights, the incredible stunts and explosions of colour and excitement, it was an unforgettable experience. Nothing could keep the smile off the children’s (and adult’s) faces!

For families who are often focused on challenges and routines, a night of fun, adrenaline, and awe was a true gift.

Thank you for making magic happen. You brought more than just tickets - you brought joy, excitement, and lifelong memories. ❤

A huge thank you to for inviting us to their annual conference. It was an honour to share the story of the work we do a...
14/08/2025

A huge thank you to for inviting us to their annual conference. It was an honour to share the story of the work we do and the impact their support has made over many years.

We were lucky enough to be able to personally thank the lonely bear and the mysterious bearded man – well, the bearded man anyway, who was in attendance – for the Bear and the Beard initiative 🐻 – which donates $1 of every kilo sold to Bear Cottage. One of many ways Seven Miles supports us. If you haven’t tried it yet, the Bear and the Beard blend has a deep, malty sweetness of the medium-roast blend, which is perfect for espresso ☕.

Thank you Seven Miles, for your ongoing invaluable support – we’re so grateful for this continued partnership - it means the world to the Bear Cottage team and those in our care. ❤️

Address

2 Fairy Bower Road
Sydney, NSW
2095

Telephone

+61299768300

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