New playground gives sick children an extra reason to smile

Sick children at the Royal Children’s Hospital at Herston have an extra reason to smile today after the opening of a new playground provided by the George Gregan Foundation.

Queensland Health Minister Stephen Robertson was joined by former Australian rugby union captain George Gregan and his wife Erica, founders of the George Gregan Foundation, to officially open and inspect the $100,000 facility.

Mr Robertson said about $600,000 had been raised by the George Gregan Foundation for the playground but a scaled-down version had been installed at Herston prior to the construction of the new Queensland Children’s Hospital.

“The equipment already installed will be easily incorporated into a much bigger playground planned for the new Children’s Hospital,” Mr Robertson said.

“The balance of the funds would be invested by the Foundation and used at the appropriate time.

The playground includes life-like sculptures of animals, brightly-coloured swings, slides and interactive equipment to entertain the children, their families and visitors.

Mr Robertson praised Mr Gregan and his wife for their outstanding generosity and commitment to helping others in the community.

“What is special about the George Gregan Foundation and its supporters is that George and Erica are giving their names, their talents, their reputations, and a substantial part of their lives to people who need support.

“On behalf of the children of Queensland I would like to thank George and Erica Gregan for their extraordinary generosity,” Mr Robertson said.

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