On Saturday night, our little community project that began as a conversation on my home sofa took home the Runner Up Award for Community Engagement at the City of Wanneroo Business Awards.

Representing us on the evening was our Chair, Nicola Hodgson, who accepted the award with pride on behalf of the entire LJM Memorial Hospice family, our volunteers, supporters, board, and everyone who has believed in the vision from day one.

When we started this journey, it was simply about creating options for comfort and connection for families facing end-of-life experiences in our northern corridor. What began as conversations over cups of tea has grown into community events, death cafés, volunteer programs, partnerships with local schools and libraries, and a movement that’s helping people talk openly and live fully, right up until the very end.

This recognition isn’t just for us it’s for every person who has shared their story, offered a helping hand, donated their time, or joined us to build something meaningful together.

We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, and even more excited for what lies ahead as we prepare to evolve into the organisation known as Kindlewood Hospice, a name that captures our purpose perfectly: to kindle warmth, community, growth and compassion.

Thank you to the City of Wanneroo, the Wanneroo Business Association, and our fellow nominees The Spiers Centre and Social Services Perth local organisations doing outstanding work to support the people of our community.

Together, we’re showing that small sparks can grow into something powerful and that compassion, when shared, can light up an entire community.

— Kate McLaughlin, Founder and CEO of LJM Memorial Hospice