Kate and Jean Claude Branch at Kirribilli house

As a mother of one (with another little one on the way), nothing is more important to me than our children. Recently, my husband Jean-Claude and I had the honour of attending a fundraiser at Kirribilli House, which raised funds for five incredible children’s charities.

We were privileged to personally meet The Honourable Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister of Australia, and his remarkable wife, Mrs Margaret Abbott. Both spoke passionately about the importance of supporting these charities and helping children in need. We were also deeply honoured to hear The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir speak, especially about her support for Central Coast Kids In Need. Her Excellency reminded us that children are the future of our country—the most precious resource we have. And that is so true.

It was an inspiring evening, and we are truly grateful to have been part of it. Below are the amazing charities that benefited from this event:

• Bear Cottage – NSW’s only children’s hospice, one of only two in Australia, and the only one in the world affiliated with a children’s hospital. Bear Cottage provides support, respite, and end-of-life care for children with terminal illnesses and their families. Located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches in Manly, the hospice is designed to feel far removed from a hospital, with staff in casual attire, no medical procedures in bedrooms, and children’s rooms styled like normal bedrooms.

• Central Coast Kids in Need (CCKIN) – A volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organisation raising funds to assist local families with accommodation costs while their sick children undergo specialised treatment in Sydney or Newcastle hospitals.

• Muscular Dystrophy NSW – Supports families affected by muscular dystrophy, a progressive condition that deteriorates muscle strength and function, most commonly affecting boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

• SHINE for Kids – Supports children with a parent in the criminal justice system. Many children experience parental incarceration as an unseen trauma. For over thirty years, SHINE for Kids has provided programs and services to help these children and young people cope and thrive.

• Burns Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead – The paediatric component of the NSW Severe Burn Injury Service, caring for major burns, plastic surgery, and general surgical patients across the state.

• The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia – A leading youth development charity empowering young people aged 14–25 to realise their full potential and build a brighter future. The program is particularly life-changing for high-need and special-needs youth.

We are so thankful to have been part of such a meaningful evening, celebrating organisations that make a real difference in children’s lives.