Last wishes close to home

A new Busselton hub will be opened to help supporters of a special charity operation continue helping South West locals experience their last wishes.

Ambulance Wish WA announced last week that the Busselton HQ would welcome the relocation of a Wish Ambulance, to increase opportunities for those with a terminal illness to access the Final Wish Programme.

The programme makes it possible to bring terminally ill people joy and comfort, by visiting a familiar place to reignite precious memories, or the fulfilment of something special on their bucket list.

Families and friends often accompany the excursions, allowing them to create lasting memories and take part in a final celebration.

Previously, Wish Ambulances needed to travel from Perth to undertake wishes in the South West.

“The establishment of a regional hub, with the assistance of some of our fantastic team of volunteers, will make it even easier to provide wishes for those in end-of-life care in the South West,” co-founder Susie Wilson said.

“We are absolutely delighted that we have been able to accomplish this – especially because we are a little charity which receives absolutely no funding or governmental support and is entirely run on donations by volunteers.

“Without a vehicle locally, one in seven wishes that we fulfil comes from the South West region, so having a local hub is expected to make a huge difference, not only to the ease with which these wishes can be fulfilled, but also to our volunteer availability without the need to travel to and from Perth each time.”

While they have been fulfilling final wishes in the South West since the program began, the charity has recently experienced an increase in the number of wishes from the South West, not only from Busselton Health Campus and St John of God Bunbury Hospital but from local nursing homes and those receiving care in the community.

“Our charity has already made a big impact – with many of our South West volunteers coming to us with experience of witnessing the difference a fulfilled wish can make,” Susie said.

“We are excited and looking forward to making a difference for people receiving end-of-life care and support in the South West community.”

The launch is supported and hosted by Busselton Hospice Care at its Geographe Bay Centre at 5 Craig Street from 4pm on Thursday December 12.

Locals will have the chance to see the new Wish Ambulance, and meet with volunteers and charity founders Susie and Gary Wilson. More info, including how to request a wish, and ways you can help, can be found at ambulancewishwa.org.au