NICU Warriors Family Fun Day 2026
About the event
Join us for a day of fun, connection and community
Bring your family and friends together for a day of fun, connection and celebration, in support of our Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Warriors and the families whose lives have been touched by the Royal Women's Hospital.
Together, we'll celebrate the incredible strength of our tiniest patients, honour the families who have faced life's earliest challenges with courage, and recognise the healthcare teams whose compassion makes life-changing care possible every day.
Whether your family experienced the NICU firsthand, you know someone whose journey began there, or you're simply looking for a great family day out while supporting an important cause, you'll be warmly welcomed.
On the day
Join us for a day of community, fundraising and fun with activities for the whole family!
Enjoy a fantastic day of family-friendly entertainment, including:
• Animal encounters
• Face painting
• Live entertainment
• Interactive children's activities
• Delicious food and refreshments available for purchase
• Special keepsake and memory-making activities
• Information and drop-in sessions covering key areas of newborn care
• Opportunities to meet members of the Women's NICU team
• Plenty of space to relax, play and enjoy time together
Every ticket purchased helps support our NICU Warriors and their families.
Funds raised from the event will go towards an aEEG machine, which allows our team to continuously monitor a newborn’s brain activity in real time, helping them detect seizures and understand how a baby’s brain is recovering following conditions such as oxygen deprivation at birth.
By joining us, you'll help ensure more families receive this kind of support during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
FAQs
- Who are NICU Warriors
NICU Warriors is a community that honours the little warriors who have experienced the NICU at the Royal Women's Hospital, alongside the families, friends and wider community who have supported them throughout their journey. It acknowledges the unique experiences of NICU families, recognises the strength of our smallest patients and creates opportunities for connection, support and shared experiences.
Through NICU Warriors, our community also comes together to give back, raising vital funds that support NICU families during their hospital stay, and help drive the research and equipment that improve outcomes for the tiniest and most vulnerable babies in our care. Every donation, big or small, helps ensure no family faces the NICU journey alone.
- Who is running this event?
The NICU Warriors Family Fun Day is proudly hosted by the Royal Women's Hospital. Every ticket purchased helps support our NICU Warriors and their families. Funds raised from the event will go towards an aEEG machine, which allows our team to continuously monitor a newborn’s brain activity in real time, helping them detect seizures and understand how a baby’s brain is recovering following conditions such as oxygen deprivation at birth.
- What does my ticket include?
Your ticket includes of a variety of activities such as:
Animal encounters
Face painting
Live entertainment
Interactive children’s activities
Special keepsake and memory-making activities
Information and drop-in sessions with the Women’s team.
Each ticket helps support our NICU Warriors, funds raised will go towards purchasing an aEEG machine, which allows our team to continuously monitor a newborn’s brain activity in real time, helping them detect seizures and understand how a baby’s brain is recovering following conditions such as oxygen deprivation at birth.
- Do I need to print my ticket?
You can either show your e- ticket or bring along a printed copy.
- Can I buy tickets on the day?
If tickets are still available, they may be purchased on the day. However, booking in advance is recommended to avoid missing out.
- Is the venue accessible?
Yes. Melbourne Showgrounds offers accessible pathways and facilities (toilets and parking). If you have specific accessibility requirements, we encourage you to contact us before the event so we can help you plan your visit.
- Can I get a refund if I can no longer attend?
Unfortunately, tickets are non-refundable in accordance with the event's refund policy. If you have any queries regarding this, please contact us via email at nicuwarriors@thewomens.org.au
- Who can I contact if I have questions?
If you have any questions before the event, please contact us via email at nicuwarriors@thewomens.org.au
- Can I buy merchandise to support the NICU Warriors?
Yes definitely!
Merchandise available includes:
NICU Warriors Jute Cooler Tote Bag $25
NICU Warriors Kangaroo Plush $26
NICU Warriors Drink Bottle $27
These products are available to pre purchase with your tickets and can be collected at the event.
Products will also be available to purchase on the day subject to availability.
- Can I make a direct donation to support the NICU Warriors?
Absolutely!
Make an optional donation to support the Royal Women's Hospital NICU. We are currently raising funds for an aEEG machine which allows our team to continuously monitor a newborn's brain activity in real time, helping them detect seizures and understand how a baby's brain is recovering from conditions like oxygen deprivation at birth.
Please click on the donations link and select the amount you would like to donate.
(All donations over $2 are tax deductible)
As a small thank you for your generosity, every donation includes a complimentary NICU Warriors trolley token. Keep it on your keys so you're always ready for your next shopping trip, while carrying a reminder that your kindness is helping give the smallest babies the biggest chance
- Will there be photography or filming at the event?
Yes. Photography and videography will be taking place throughout the day, and images may be used by the Royal Women's Hospital for future NICU Warriors marketing, fundraising and communications.
If you'd prefer not to be photographed, or would like your child excluded from any images, please let a staff member or volunteer know on arrival and we'll do our best to accommodate this.
- My child is immune compromised, can they take part in this event?
The event will have both indoor and outdoor spaces with a variety of activities available across both areas. The indoor space is a large building with high ceilings and is well-ventilated. There is also ample space available within the outside grassed area.
- My child has sensory needs, is the event suitable?
We understand every family's needs are different.
While there will be live entertainment and busy activity areas, there will also be quieter spaces where families can take a break if needed.
In the case that your child may need complete noise cancellation, we suggest bringing headphones or ear plugs.
- Ticketing Fee's
All ticket booking fee's will go directly to Humanitix and not the Royal Women's Hospital NICU.
100% of Humanitix’s profits go to charities providing education, healthcare and life’s basic necessities for disadvantaged kids. To date over $20 million has been donated.
Click on the following link to see more information about Humanitix's Impact Partners: Partner Charities | Humanitix
Live Stage Program
- 11:05 am - 11:15 am
Welcome!
- 11:15 am - 12:00 pm
The Funtones
- 12:10 pm - 12:50 pm
Duck Cameron
- 1:10 pm - 1:55 pm
Charlie SillyPants
Activities and Entertainment
The Funtones
11:15am – 12:00pm “We’re The Funtones! And how are you?” Lisa and Mark are The Funtones, an award-nominated musical duo bringing songs packed with movement and feel-good fun for children. Their show encourages fun, play and imagination for everyone. Kids will be dancing along to hit original songs such as Dancing Like Spaghetti and #1 single Movin’ and Groovin’, as well as engaging with traditional favourites such as Hokey Pokey and Dr Knickerbocker.
Duck Cameron
12:10pm - 12:50pm Duck Cameron is a well known children's entertainer and magician who has been delighting families for decades with his unique blend of comedy, magic, and audience participation. His interactive shows are packed with laughter, amazement, and fun, encouraging children to become part of the magic while creating unforgettable memories.
Charlie Sillypants
1:10pm - 1:55pm "Charlie SillyPants is the silliest magician this side of “Magicland”! Come on the craziest adventure ever as Charlie SillyPants and his cheeky teddy bear Russ use their magic to surf silly wave’s, dodge flying nappies’ and encounter silly character’s like “Mr Invisible”. With lots of magic tricks, rocking music and a lot of silliness, a Charlie SillyPants adventure will have kids laughing their nostrils off for weeks on end!
Circus Play
Step right up to Circus Lab's interactive circus workshop, where the magic of the circus come to life! Experience the excitement as participants of all ages and abilities learn a variety of captivating circus skills, including juggling, hula hoop, spinning plates, devil sticks, and much more fun.
Face Painting
Transform into your favourite character, animal or magical creation with our talented face painters! Using high-quality, child-safe paints, this colourful activity is perfect for kids who love to let their imaginations shine.
Life Saving Victoria
Meet volunteers from Life Saving Victoria and discover how they help keep our beaches and waterways safe. Kids and families can learn important water safety tips, explore lifesaving equipment, and chat with volunteers about staying safe while having fun in and around the water.
Victoria Police
Stop by to meet your local Victoria Police officers! Kids and families can say hello, check-out a police vehicle, and learn more about the people who help keep our community safe.
Pony Rides
Saddle up for some big fun! Little horse lovers can come along and enjoy magical, hand-led pony rides. It is the perfect chance for kids to meet, pat, and ride a friendly pony. Don't forget your camera to snap a photo with their favorite four-legged friend.
Wildlife Experiences
Catch up with the Rangers and get up close for an amazing wildlife experience. Say hello to a snake, hold a turtle or even pat a possum. Learn about what they eat, where they live and when they sleep! Fun for the whole family!
Gallery
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
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