Couple’s $5m gift to make Manly’s young adult hospice a reality

Australia’s first young adult hospice is set to become a reality following a multi-million dollar gift from one of Australia’s most generous couples.

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The country’s first young adult hospice is set to become a reality following a $5 million gift from one of Australia’s most generous couples.

Philanthropists Greg Poche and Kay Van Norton Poche gifted the sum of money after hearing about plans for the Manly Hospital site through former mayor Jean Hay.

Kay Van Norton Poche said the project could be replicated across the country. Picture: AAP IMAGE/ Tim Pascoe

The money, which was matched by $5m from the Federal Government, means building work can start on the facility early next year.

Kay met with Brad Hazzard MP, Mike Baird, NSW Premier Gladys Berijiklian, then MP Tony Abbott and Manly MP James Griffin earlier this month to discuss the project. Photographer: Adam Yip

“There is nowhere like this for adults who need palliative care,” Mrs Van Norton Poche said. “There was a gap and we can do something about that and that’s wonderful.”

After hearing about the project she approached Manly State MP James Griffin to gather more information.

An artist's impression of the hospice for young adults in Manly.

“I asked him a few questions and decided it was something we could help with,” she said.

Mr Griffin described the donation as “wonderfully generous” and said it would fast track the project.

Businessman and philanthropist Greg Poche, who has donated around $140m, pictured a few years ago

“This means it will become a reality far sooner than originally thought,” he said.

Mr Griffin, who has been the driving force behind the hospice, said he expected a development application to be submitted this year and building work to start in the first half of next year. He said they will continue to fundraise for the next few months in order to make it the best facility possible.

An artist's impression of the young adult's hospice.

Mr Poche, who suffers from ill health, made his millions through trucking company Star Track Express which he sold in 2003 for $435m. Since then the couple has given away around $140m.

“My family motto is always err on the side of generosity,” she said. “It is a privilege to be able to make a difference. We saw the hospice as an opportunity and hopefully it can be replicated across the country.”

See Saturday’s Manly Daily for an in-depth feature on the couple’s philanthropy.