TLC for Kids has become the newest customer to move to the Fields, consolidating a relationship which began back in 2021.

TLC for Kids is one of the leading Australian children’s charities helping sick kids and their families cope with the challenges of everyday life with illness. The TLC Ambulance safely transports sick children and their families to their most treasured places to experience that joy, perhaps for one last time. Operating across both Victoria and now in South Australia, and with the partnered help of Ambulance Victoria and SA Ambulance Service, paramedics often volunteer their time to help run this unique service.

In a full circle moment, the organisation has taken up office space at 7 English Street, which is the same building they visited with their new TLC Ambulance to show the Essendon Fields HQ team after a Christmas donation from the Fields helped bring that dream to life. The office will be home to eight employees who are heavily involved in the preparation and delivery of TLC Distraction boxes to paediatric hospitals, the co-ordination of the TLC ambulance which allows children undergoing palliative care to be able to enjoy special trips with their family, and being on call to organise Rapid TLC requests from families within 24-48 hours.

Tim Conolan AM, the CEO of TLC for Kids, is excited by the move to Essendon Fields because it will help to strengthen ties with the local community.

“Essendon Fields is the ideal location for us to be able to manage our critical care services. From our new base we can ensure we can rapidly respond to and support children and their families, not just across Melbourne, but the rest of the country as well,’’ he said.

“We know Essendon Fields cares about the community and we were a beneficiary of a community grant a few years ago, which was greatly appreciated. It is clearly an inclusive and supportive environment in which to work, visit or live in the surrounding suburbs. Our employees have been warmly welcomed by everyone at Essendon Fields,’’ he said.

TLC for Kids hopes to build strong partnerships with local businesses and community groups through its new base at Essendon Fields.

Brendan Pihan, CEO of Essendon Fields, said its fantastic when a visitor to the airport decides its wants to stay, but particularly heart-warming when that organisation is a charitable organization doing great things for the community.

“We welcome TLC for Kids to Essendon Fields and know that they will enjoy being part of our community. Our location, adjacent to major arterial roads, our airport, as well as the proximity to Melbourne Airport means that TLC for Kids will be able to service the families they need to support more efficiently and make an even greater difference to sick kids,’’ said Mr Pihan.

To understand more about the work that TLC for Kids does every day or to donate please visit: www.tlcforkids.org.au