Boronia Gala Day raises $32,800 to support women and babies in crisis through WIRF

The Women and Infants Research Foundation (WIRF) has received a generous $32,800 donation from this year’s Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women’s Gala Day, helping strengthen vital support programs for King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) patients facing crisis.

This year’s event marked a significant milestone for Boronia as it celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Gala Day – a unique event within Corrective Services where the public is invited to join in celebrating the transformative work being done at the Centre.

Throughout the year, prisoners across Western Australia undertake vital work to create an array of high-quality handmade products, which generate much-needed funds for community groups and not-for-profit charities.  

One of the highlights of Gala Day is the art auction, featuring stunning artworks created by prisoners, including a contribution from art students at Banksia Hill Detention Centre.

The $32,800 cheque was formally presented to WIRF on 4 December, marking an incredibly meaningful contribution to its Baby Bundles and Women’s Care Packages programs.

Each year, more than 7,000 babies are born at KEMH. Many arrive in emergencies, some prematurely, and too often families find themselves without the basic essentials their newborn needs.

Through its Baby Bundles program, WIRF supports Western Australian families in need by providing newborns with essential items such as hand-knitted cardigans, onesies, singlets, nappies, wraps, and colourful blankets.

Each bundle is packed in a calico backpack, offering warmth and comfort when it’s needed most. Approximately 700 mothers and their babies benefit from this program annually.

WIRF also provides Women’s Care Packages to patients admitted to KEMH in emergency or crisis situations – many from regional or remote areas of Western Australia.

These women may face long hospital stays due to high-risk pregnancies, complex gynaecological conditions, or cancer treatment, and some are escaping domestic violence. Arriving with little more than the clothes they are wearing, they receive care packages containing essentials like toiletries, underwear, sanitary items, and clothing.

These meaningful bundles and packages, prepared by dedicated volunteers and distributed by KEMH’s social work team, bring relief and dignity during times of stress and uncertainty.

WIRF CEO Deb Portughes expressed her deep gratitude for the effort and heart behind the Gala Day event.

“Boronia residents, staff, volunteers, and all who took part have created something far bigger than a fundraising day,” Ms Portughes said.

“You have created impact, hope, and dignity for women and babies in crisis.

“Our Baby Bundles and Women’s Care Packages programs are completely unfunded and rely entirely on community support. That is why the contribution from Boronia is so significant.”

KEMH Head of Social Work Department Anita Coutinho said this year the social work team has given out countless toiletry bags, baby bundles, and tracksuits, to the point that the cupboards were bare.

“Women from up north really feel the cold and are often unprepared for the weather in Perth, so a warm tracksuit is greatly appreciated,” Ms Coutinho said.

“For women who deliver their baby early or in an emergency, a gift of a baby bundle that includes essential items, like a baby outfit or a baby wrap, might sometimes be the first item that they have managed to collect for their baby.

“For patients who might have nothing, a small token to show them that we care about them is a huge gesture for them.”

The $32,800 raised will directly support and expand these essential services, helping ensure that women and babies experiencing crisis receive practical care, dignity, and compassion when they need it most.

WIRF extends its heartfelt thanks to the entire Boronia community for choosing to support the Foundation’s mission and for making a difference in the lives of Western Australian women and families.

Pictured above (left to right) – WIRF Community Engagement Officer Paula O’Connell, WIRF CEO Deb Portughes, Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women Superintendent Andrew Hughes, KEMH Head of Social Work Department Anita Coutinho, and KEMH Senior Social Worker Gillian Brodie.