History | Our Staff | Board of Management | Rules & Constitution

The Kalparrin Centre first opened in 1992,
as a place where families could enjoy time out, support and shared experiences with other families of children with special needs. The centre was an extension of the early work of Clinical Phychologist, Margaret Cole, who in the 1980's, was one of the first professionals to recognise the needs of families caring for special needs children. One of Margarets early initiatives was to offer respite weekends to mothers who, at the time, had little or no support in their caring role. The camps resulted in the formation in 1987 of a steering committee which became Parents of Children with Disabilities. The Kalparrin Centre located on the grounds of Princess Margaret Hospital, was officially opened by Patron, Professor Fiona Stanley on the 29th March, 1993.

The Centre was staffed by trained volunteers from 1992 until January 1995. The organisation was incorporated in 1989. A successful application for funding was granted by Disability Services Commission and Princess Margaret and King Edward Hospitals, the Centre was then able to fund two part time members of staff, comprising of a Co-Ordinator and an Administration Assistant. Recurrent funding from these agencies was granted in late 1996.

April 2006 saw The Kalparrin Centre move into Princess Margaret Hospital, and is now located in the rehabilitation unit on Level 4, Hay St Building nr the hydrotherapy pool. This location makes Kalparrin visible and available to every parent or carer who accesses the hospital.

Volunteers are still integral to the staffing of the Centre, providing the parent to parent contact which is a unique feature of Kalparrin amongst support agencies.

The Centre receives the majority of its funding under a joint agreement from Disability Services Commission and Princess Margaret and King Edward Hospitals.

Financial support is also obtained from memberships and donations* from the public. A small amount of fundraising is done each year.

*all donations over $2.00aud are tax deductible