Purpose-built student accommodation has become an essential part of Australia’s education landscape. But a new partnership in Sydney shows these buildings can also serve another purpose, providing stability for families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
In an Australian first, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) has partnered with Scape by The Living Company to launch the SCHF Patient Family Accommodation Program, providing 42 apartments free of charge to families whose children are receiving treatment through the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network.
Located within Scape Lachlan in Kensington, just minutes from Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick, the apartments will offer families a home away from home while their child undergoes treatment.
For many families across regional and rural New South Wales, serious illness brings more than the emotional toll of a hospital admission. It often means taking extended leave from work, organising care for siblings, travelling long distances and finding accommodation close to specialist medical services.
The need is significant. Children receiving treatment at the Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre spend an average of 7.6 days in hospital, while demand for existing accommodation services regularly exceeds supply. The new program is designed to ease that pressure, with one and two bedroom apartments featuring workspaces, laundry facilities, outdoor areas and 24 hour concierge services.
Beyond its immediate impact on families, the partnership also highlights an important evolution within Australia’s purpose-built student accommodation sector.
Over the past decade, billions of dollars have been invested in professionally managed accommodation located close to universities, transport and major health precincts. Increasingly, operators are recognising that these assets can also respond to broader community needs, demonstrating how residential infrastructure can deliver social value alongside its core purpose.
Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation CEO Kristina Keneally AO said the initiative would reduce both the financial and emotional pressures placed on families.
“While existing services like Ronald McDonald House provide tremendous support, demand for patient family accommodation for sick and injured kids continues to grow.
“The SCHF Patient Family Accommodation Program will reduce the financial and emotional pressures families face, allowing them to focus on what matters most — their child.”
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park welcomed the initiative, saying long hospital stays place enormous strain on parents and carers.
“Having a child in hospital is an incredibly difficult time for any family.
“Long stays in hospitals and having to relocate whole families can put a real strain on parents and carers, and every little bit of support during these distressing times can help.”
Scape by The Living Company Co-Founder Craig Carracher said supporting families reflected the company’s broader purpose.
“Every family deserves the stability to focus on what matters most.
“We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to love where they live as a standard — not just when life is easy, but especially when it isn’t.”
The program has also received philanthropic support from the Davencare Foundation. Its Director of Stories, Shelly Higgs, said the initiative would help families preserve a sense of normality while their child is in hospital.
“It’s about siblings still being able to see each other. It’s about primary carers being able to have a shower. It’s about parents being able to juggle work and their other caring commitments.
“It’s about being able to maintain the family unit.”
For Australia’s international education and student accommodation sectors, the announcement is a reminder that purpose-built accommodation is more than a collection of beds. While discussions often focus on supply, planning approvals and investment returns, the real value of these assets lies in the people they support. Whether welcoming an international student to Australia or giving a family a place to stay while a child receives life-saving treatment, thoughtfully designed accommodation can strengthen communities in ways that extend well beyond its original purpose.
Picture (L-R): Craig Carracher AM Co founder The Living Co, Anouk Darling CEO Scape by The Living Co and BTR arm, Flynn and Kellyanne Edis, and Kristina Keneally AO CEO SCHF
