The visit also marks a significant milestone in Starlight’s long-standing partnership with Greater Charitable Foundation, which has provided more than $1 million in funding since 2011. Last year alone, they provided 1516 positive experiences to children in hospitals throughout regional NSW and the Gold Coast. 

Captain Starlight was developed to complement the Australian healthcare system in partnership with leading health professionals. While health professionals focus on treating illness, Captain Starlight captures a child’s imagination and turns their pain, fear and stress into joy, fun and laughter.

Starlight’s CEO, Louise Baxter, thanked Greater Charitable Foundation for its continued support to help achieve the charity’s mission to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families. 

“This year Starlight celebrates 30 years of bringing fun, joy and laughter to sick kids and their families. We celebrate and thank our amazing community of supporters, including the Greater Charitable Foundation for their ongoing support,” Ms Baxter said. 

Anne Long, Greater Charitable Foundation CEO, commended Starlight for its ongoing commitment to ensuring an all-rounded approach to the care of seriously ill children and their families. 

“Starlight is one of our longest standing partners and we have provided over $1million in funding since 2011. We are so proud of what has been achieved over the past seven years with services such as Captain Starlight, which help to make a simple yet significant impact on the lives of families who find themselves facing devastating circumstances,” Ms Long said. 

Joining Captain Starlight on his visit to Manning Hospital was a Starlight volunteer along with Greater Bank Taree Branch representatives, Linda Whitlam, branch manager and Shannon Stephens, customer service officer.