The Hunter Melanoma Foundation, after twenty-six years, have just appointed their newest Executive Officer, Claudia Tolhurst.
The Hunter Melanoma Foundation was formed in 1986 to provide moral and financial support to the Hunter Melanoma Unit.
In 1993, Jenny Noblet was appointed as the Executive Officer and has been at the forefront of the Foundation ever since.
Jenny has seen many changes over the years, including the relocation of the Melanoma Unit from the Wallsend Hospital site to the Mater Institute in Platt St Waratah.
One of the most significant changes have been around research and the treatment of melanoma using Immunotherapy.
“The foundation has funded ten PHD students in the past and some of that funding has led to significant changes in the successful treatment of Melanoma,” Jenny said.
Jenny has worked hard to raise the profile of melanoma in the Hunter community with a focus on raising awareness.
“Our aim has always been to reduce the incidence and mortality of melanoma, and that is accomplished through education on prevention and early detection,” she said.
Despite the positive progress, Jenny acknowledges there is still important work to be done, as there is still a high incidence of melanoma in the Hunter Region.
Now, after twenty-six years, it’s time for Jenny to retire from the role and has handed the baton over to Claudia Tolhurst.
“Claudia comes to the position with a strong background in supporting various community groups, including her involvement with HMF where she has been an active committee member since 2016,” Jenny said.
“As a committee member she has assisted at a number of functions and readily took on the role of Events and Promotion and has certainly demonstrated her ability to not only raise funds but to add an element of fun in the process.”
The Hunter Melanoma Foundation Chair, Janelle Kirk, believes that Claudia’s set of skills will propel the foundation into the future.
“Claudia brings a strong skill set to this challenging role and has demonstrated her commitment to raising awareness to melanoma in our region. We look forward to seeing where she can take the Foundation moving forward,” Janelle said.
IMAGE | The new Executive Officer at Hunter Melanoma Foundation, Claudia Tolhust and Jenny Noblet (left-right)
