The Hunter community raised a record $78,000 for children’s health research at the Hunter Children’s Research Foundation’s (HCRF) annual Hunter Construction Group’s Lunch for the Kids. The event, held at Spicers Guesthouse in Pokolbin on Friday, 19 September, surpassed the previous year’s total and will fund five research grants to be announced at HCRF’s Annual Awards Night at Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) on Thursday, 30 October 2025.
Presented by naming rights partner Hunter Construction Group, the event brought together guests for an afternoon of local food and wine in support of paediatric research.
A highlight was an on-stage conversation between Professor Matt Dunn, a childhood cancer researcher at HMRI and past HCRF grant recipient, and television host and children’s health advocate, Johanna Griggs. Professor Dunn shared insights into the realities of researching illnesses affecting children and their families.
“HCRF has been funding and supporting paediatric health and medical research for 30 years. Over the past decade, their generosity provided a significant boost to my work, supporting the discovery of new drug targets and medicines for children whose leukaemia treatments have failed them. These discoveries are now advancing towards the clinic for patients,” Matt said.
“This is an incredible charity. We were delighted that the recent Lunch for the Kids was such a success. We are blessed to have a supportive Hunter community.”
HCRF Chair, Sheryl said the funds would directly support research underway in the Hunter.
“The funds raised will directly support research happening here in the Hunter that has the potential to change the lives of children across the world. We are grateful for the generosity shown by our guests and sponsors,” Sheryl said.
The event featured a live art experience by Melbourne artist, Angi Dlapiu, who created a piece inspired by a local family’s story before it was auctioned. A second live art piece was also bid on by guests, with Johanna purchasing a personal artwork.
Funds raised will go directly to children’s health research projects through the HCRF grants program. Grant recipients will be announced at HCRF’s Annual Awards Night on Thursday, 30 October 2025.
IMAGE | HCRF Committee
