City Muster brings a taste of the country to Perth for regional families facing medical treatment

Country families needing to spend time in Perth while their children receive medical treatment have been given the chance to reconnect with home through a new event designed just for them.

Opening of the Brave Bush Kids Muster created by regional charity Kelpies for kidsused the Claremont Showgrounds to create a rural field day atmosphere for families staying in the city and accessing specialist care.

Held on Saturday 4th July, the Showgrounds were filled with adorable horses, sheep, cows and of course the adorable Kelpies.

For many local families, traveling to Perth for treatment; It 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 She attended the event with her family, and her mother, Sharnee Hosking, said the experience led them to connect with Kate Willcocks, Founder and President of Kelpies for Kids.

“Charlee was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016 when she was two years old and was given a 100-kilometer radius outside the children’s hospital,” Ms Hosking said.

“From there we became involved with many charities throughout our hospital journey. She was named Junior Telethon Star in 2024 and so we crossed paths with Kate and the Kelpies for children and became part of the family.

“We’re originally from Kalgoorlie, so we know a lot of country kids miss out on that country experience when they move to the city – so it’s really nice for them to experience that again.”

Ms Hosking said Charlee would love to have something like this in 2016.

“He would enjoy playing in muddy puddles, bringing back those little childhood memories,” he said.

The event provides opportunities for children to have a safe place to play and explore, while giving parents and caregivers 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, spent months in Perth while their three children received medical care and know all too well the difficulties of dealing with the practical and emotional reality of being away from home for long periods.

Natasha Pitts said going to Perth for treatment affected the whole family.

“Living with a child with complex medical needs can be incredibly isolating, especially over time,” Ms Pitts said.

“With friends and family providing care, it is difficult for others to truly understand what it is like to spend so much of your life in hospitals, traveling 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 going through an incredibly challenging time.

“We strive to create a warm and authentic atmosphere that reflects community spirit and country values, while providing families with a restorative break from the stress of medical treatment,” Ms Willcocks said.

“This is the first year of what we hope will be an annual event on medical care for local families in Perth.

“Brave Bush Kids City Muster has been designed to bring Perth that farmland day feel while ensuring the environment is inclusive, sensory aware and kind to children and families.

“It’s about giving families the chance to connect, explore and experience something familiar, supportive and joyful while away from home.”

Ms Pitts said events like these were important as they provided an opportunity for families facing similar situations to connect.

“Events like Brave Bush Kids City Muster are so important because they bring families together that don’t need explanation. The challenges, fears, sacrifices and resilience that come with raising children with additional needs are immediately apparent,” Ms Pitts said.

“You don’t feel weird for a moment. You feel connected, supported and understood.”

Kelpies for Kids, which also raises funds for the Telethon through its annual working dog auctions, donated more than $120,000 to the charity in its first two years.