Registered Music Therapist, Charlotte Kirke, St John of God Bunbury Hospital.
September 2026
St John of God Bunbury Hospital has welcomed a dedicated Music Therapist, reopening the door to care that supports the physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual wellbeing of patients and families.
Funded by generous donors, Registered Music Therapist, Charlotte Kirke, commenced in the role in June and is leading a program that will bring the proven benefits of music into the health care journey of patients of all ages.
An evidence-based intervention, music therapy activates areas of the brain linked to emotion, memory and wellbeing. It can help reduce pain, anxiety and stress, while improving relaxation, communication and overall quality of life. For some patients, particularly those who are nonverbal, living with dementia, experiencing mental illness, or receiving palliative care, music offers a powerful way to connect when words are difficult or no longer possible.
“The response has been super positive from all wards, with music therapy helping settle anxious children before surgery, engage families, and support patients through challenging moments,” shares Katherine Feddema, Acting Allied Health Manager.
The benefits of music therapy are seen across our services. At St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital, music forms part of the Proactive Parkinson’s program, helping participants improve movement, speech and social connection in a fun and engaging environment.
“Music can help people creatively express what is going on for them and be a safe, supportive and non-invasive way to develop resources helpful to deal with life’s challenges,” says Music Therapist Stephanie.
Across our hospitals, the response from patients, families and caregivers has been overwhelmingly positive. Beyond the clinical benefits, music creates moments of joy, comfort and connection during what can often be a difficult and uncertain time.
This compassionate care extends beyond scheduled sessions. When the need is there, our Music Therapists can visit patients at their bedside, bringing comfort to those with restricted mobility or complex health needs. For many, these encounters become meaningful moments of emotional and spiritual healing that complement their medical treatment and provide reassurance when it is needed most.
This life-changing program returning to St John of God Bunbury is possible because of the compassion of our donors. Thank you for helping bring comfort, dignity and connection to patients and families in our care. Your generosity is ensuring that healing extends beyond medicine, and that when words are not enough, music can speak.
Music forms part of the Proactive Parkinson’s program, helping participants improve movement, speech and social connection in a fun and engaging environment.