Peter Bishop – A Legacy of Care

In 1986, as the House manager of the second Ronald McDonald House in Australia, Peter Bishop’s role included “…cleaner, gardener, and being present 24/7.” He worked side by side volunteers to make the space comfortable for families.

Driven by the commitment to look after the whole family when a child is seriously ill, Peter was an “early adopter” of leading practices supporting family participation in their child’s care (Family-centered Care).

“Our Houses and Family Rooms and Learning Program – are testament to that, Peter shared.” Additional programs and services he helped lead or initiate include:

• 1993 - Introduction of a Pet Therapy dog to Parkville House.

• 1996 - Initiated Art Therapy program.

• 2006 - Introduced Learning program - expanded to currently provide tutoring to 360 students.

• 2020-2021 - kept all Houses open for the benefit of families despite the Covid-19 Lockdown in Melbourne, the largest lockdown worldwide.

• Convener/Member of the Family Care Committee of Royal Children’s Hospital, supporting Family Centered Care.

• Initiated Volunteer Shuttle Bus Services to better support guest families.

“Peter is without doubt symbolic of the sustained mission leadership within the Charity we all aspire to,” said Garry Thompson, current RMHC VIC &TAS Board Chair. “He is highly regarded by employees and the Board as an empathetic leader, and wider across the Chapter as the face of the Charity in Victoria and Tasmania. Peter is articulate, energetic and strategic. He is honest and of unquestionable integrity. In the fullest sense, he epitomizes all that is great about those who serve our mission.”