Families, patients and staff at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) now have a calmer, more welcoming place to gather, thanks to the transformation of the WIRF Café, unveiled as part of the Women and Infants Research Foundation’s (WIRF) 50th anniversary celebrations.
The refurbishment was made possible through the generosity of Castledex, the Egerton-Warburton family, the North Metropolitan Health Service and The Montauk Lighting Co., who gifted the project to WIRF in recognition of the Foundation’s milestone year.
For many families, particularly those with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the café is far more than somewhere to grab a coffee. It is a place to pause, recharge, connect with loved ones and find a moment of calm during what can be one of the most challenging periods of their lives.
The refreshed space features historic photographs of KEMH captured by renowned local photographer Geoff Fisher from Fisher Photography Perth, alongside new lighting, updated furniture, fresh paint and a dedicated breastfeeding area. Together, these improvements have transformed what was once a tired and ageing café into a warm, comfortable and contemporary space for the hospital community.
Joanne Beedie, Chair of WIRF’s Community and Consumer Panel and CEO of Helping Little Hands, said the café plays an important role in supporting families through difficult times.
“Parents of premature and unwell babies often spend weeks, sometimes months, at the hospital. During that time, the café becomes a space to pause, reflect, connect and find a sense of everyday calm during an incredibly stressful period,” Ms Beedie said.
“Supportive spaces like this have a real impact on the wellbeing of parents and families. When people come together to improve these facilities, they are helping create a more compassionate and family-centred hospital experience.”
WIRF Chief Executive Officer Deb Portughes OAM said the Foundation was deeply grateful to the organisations and individuals whose generosity made the transformation possible.
“WIRF is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of women, babies and families through research, healthcare programs and support services. Every dollar we raise goes directly towards advancing this work,” Ms Portughes said.
“Because of that, projects such as this refurbishment are only possible through the generosity of our community partners. We are incredibly grateful to Castledex, the Egerton-Warburton family, the North Metropolitan Health Service and The Montauk Lighting Co. for helping create this wonderful space.
“As we celebrate 50 years of impact, this refurbishment is a meaningful gift not just to WIRF, but to the entire hospital community. It provides a welcoming environment for the staff who work tirelessly caring for women and babies, and for the families who rely on this hospital during some of the most significant and challenging moments of their lives.”
For 50 years, WIRF has supported world-class research and programs that improve outcomes for women and infants. All proceeds from the WIRF Café and Gift Shop go towards saving lives and improving the health of women, babies, and families.
The revitalised café is a reminder that caring for families extends beyond clinical care. It is also about creating spaces that offer comfort, connection and support when they are needed most.
