About Us

- who we are

Our story

HCRF’s journey began with a modest fundraising event in 1996, a bus trip to the vineyards that raised $800. Fast forward to 2025, and our Hunter Construction Group Lunch for the Kids, held in the vineyards with Johanna Griggs, raised a remarkable $78,000.

This incredible growth highlights the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our supporters, reinforcing the importance of our mission. HCRF is powered entirely by a passionate volunteer committee that ensures every dollar raised is used effectively.

While all funds stay in the Hunter region, they support local researchers tackling paediatric health challenges in collaboration with experts worldwide. Over nearly three decades, we’ve funded life-changing research, helping secure millions in additional funding from organizations like the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), keeping the Hunter at the forefront of children’s health research.Looking to the future, we are excited to continue making a lasting impact.

- our impact

Making a difference in children's health

Without your support, many life-saving research projects would remain just ideas on a shelf, never reaching their full potential. Every dollar raised by HCRF fuels groundbreaking projects and supports world-leading research into conditions like asthma, cancer, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and sleep disorders.

Many of HCRF's projects have attracted further Federal funding, won national awards, and directly influenced clinical practice.ere is what your generosity has made possible.

$2.65M+

Raised for children's research

80+

Grants
awarded

30+ years

Funding local researchers

Direct Impact on Children's Health

That’s why every dollar raised by HCRF fuels groundbreaking projects and supports world-leading research into conditions like asthma, cancer, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and sleep disorders - the types of illnesses that can turn any family’s world upside down.

HCRF isn’t just writing cheques; they’re funding dreams. They provide researchers with the tools they need, working with research experts who bring these dreams to life, and offer grants that enable projects capable of changing the lives of children and their families across the globe.

Clinical Outcome From Research

A Story of Hope: Breakthrough in Cystic Fibrosis Research One such project, funded by HCRF, focused on advancing cystic fibrosis research, a condition that affects the lungs and digestive system of children. For years, researchers had been exploring the potential of a new drug that could help children with cystic fibrosis breathe easier. Thanks to the funding HCRF provided, the research team was able to run essential trials and gather data that led to a significant breakthrough.

The drug, which was once just an idea, is now showing promise in clinical trials and could soon become an approved treatment, offering hope for thousands of families. This is just one example of how your support is transforming the future of children’s health, one groundbreaking discovery at a time.

Research that changes lives

We fund groundbreaking research into the childhood illnesses that affect thousands of Hunter families — keeping the Hunter at the forefront of children's health research.

Asthma research

A new test that cut asthma attacks by 50% — and reduced bronchiolitis in babies by 90%

An HCRF-funded study introduced a new test for airway inflammation in pregnant women — resulting in a 50% reduction in asthma attacks during pregnancy, and a subsequent 90% reduction in bronchiolitis and croup among their newborns.

50% fewer asthma attacks

90% reduction in bronchiolitis

Professor Joerg Mattes & Dr Vanessa Murphy

Diabetes research

An artificial pancreas for children with Type 1 diabetes

HCRF supported the Australian Artificial Pancreas Program, where doctors and engineers are developing an automated closed-loop system to deliver a precise amount of insulin — removing the burden of constant manual monitoring from children and families.

Automated insulin delivery

Professor Joerg Mattes & Dr Vanessa Murphy

Allergy research

A less traumatic way to diagnose peanut allergy in children

Two HCRF-funded researchers developed a breath-based biomarker test for peanut allergy — a less traumatic and more accurate alternative to the current standard test, which involves giving children a peanut serving in a hospital setting.

Breath-based diagnostic test

Dr Adam Collison & Dr Rhani Bhatia

Physical health & wellbeing

A program building confidence in young girls — now adopted internationally

With HCRF support, the University of Newcastle's Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition developed the award-winning DADEE program (Dads And Daughters Exercising and Empowered), building self-esteem, resilience and dexterity in young girls. It is now being adopted internationally.

Now adopted internationally

UON Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition

- committee members

The volunteers behind the work

HCRF is proudly 100% volunteer-run. Our committee members give their time and expertise freely so every community donation reaches researchers directly.