About Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Our mission is to grant the wish of every eligible child – a quest sparked by the belief that a wish is integral to a child’s treatment.
35 years of wishes
This November marks 35 years of wishes coming true for Australian wish kids.
We've been creating inspirational, life-changing wishes in Australia since 1985 – from the very first wish by 16-year-old Shawn to see his favourite footy team in action.
Thanks to our supporters, more than 10,000 unforgettable wishes have been granted all across Australia.
Our wishes
A wish is not a fleeting gift - each child's Wish Journey is carefully planned and delivered over several stages to create a positive, lasting impact.
- Wishes are designed to complement a child's medical treatment, working to calm, distract and inspire at a time they need it most.
- When a wish is realised, a child discovers that despite their situation, anything is possible.
- In this way, wishes deliver both an immediate boost and long lasting effect on the lives of sick kids, their families and communities.
Wish impact
Around 35 years of feedback from local wish families, along with a growing body of international research, shows that wishes give kids with critical illness greater strength and hope for their future.
Don't just take our word for it - watch the video to experience the goose-bump-inducing, life-changing power of a wish.
Our mission
At Make-A-Wish, we exist to bring amazing people together to grant inspirational, life-changing wishes for children with a critical illness.
As one of Australia's most trusted charities*, we work in partnership with sick children, their families and medical teams to design and deliver wishes that are as unique as the children who imagine them.
No two wishes are alike - but every wish transforms the lives of those involved, from children themselves to their family, friends, the wish team and wider community.
Find out more about our vision, mission and values.
*The Annual Charity RepTrak Study - 2018, 2019 and 2020
Our Commitment to Child Safeguarding
Make-A-Wish Australia is committed to safeguarding children and young people, always acting in their best interests to keep them safe.
We actively work to provide an environment where all children and young people, regardless of race, culture, religion, or ability, feel empowered to unlock their imaginations to discover their own unique wish in a world free from limitations and judgement.
We have zero tolerance for child abuse, and consider any form of emotional, physical, sexual abuse or neglect, as intolerable under any circumstances.
Everyone working at Make-A-Wish Australia is responsible for the care and protection of children and reporting information about child abuse.
Learn more Commitment to Child Safety | Make-A-Wish Australia - Make-A-Wish Australia (makeawish.org.au)
Our People
Our Teams
Behind every child's wish is a team of dedicated specialists, committed to working making the impossible possible.
Our Volunteers
Our amazing and passionate volunteer network give their time, energy and skills to make wishes come true all over Australia.
Ready to be inspired?
Make-A-Wish Australia is part of the world’s largest wish-granting charity, Make-A-Wish Foundation International.
For more information, visit the Australian Charities and Not- For-Profits Commission website.
Wish children whose images feature on this page:
Fraser, 6, rhabdomyosarcoma - I wish for a black baby dog named Ziggy.
Aedan, 10, cerebral palsy - I wish to feel the wind in my face and different motions .
Dara, 7, Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma - I wish for the ultimate puppy experience.
Archie, 6, congenital heart disease - I wish to be Australia’s newest Cricket Captain.
Audrey, 6, retinoblastoma - I wish to go to the snow in my own rocket.