The annual Run Wollongong, Sunday, raised more than $81,000 for the remodeling, which is expected to cost about $5 million.  

Dr Susie Piper, head of paediatrics at Wollongong Hospital, welcomed the “fantastic community event for a fantastic local cause”. “It combines something healthy with something fun,” she said. “A lot of people are motivated to participate because they’ve had contact with the [children’s] unit. The community is getting behind their local hospital.”

The revamped children’s ward will include an interactive play area, outpatient clinics, improved parent facilities and new ambulatory care and short stay areas. 

Sunday’s run was sponsored by Cotton On - a Geelong-born company. Dr Piper praised the company for its focus on regional areas and for waiving administration fees. “They donate 100 per cent of registration – I’ve never encountered any fun run model like it,” she said.