Children First Foundation in North Melbourne, Victoria | Social service

Children First Foundation

Locality: North Melbourne, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 9329 4822

Address: 15-19 Gracie Street 3051 North Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Website: http://childrenfirstfoundation.org.au/

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• Non-profit organisation
• Charitable organisation
• Social service

24.01.2022 Just a few days out from the second anniversary of Nima and Dawa’s life-saving surgery, Samantha Trenoweth from The Australian Women's Weekly catches up with the twins’ mum, Bhumchu, to see how the girls are going. You can get up to date on all their news and soak in all the cute photos in the December issue of Australian Women’s Weekly out on sale NOW. It’s a 5-page spread, so make your self a cuppa , relax and enjoy! #conjoinedtwins #twins #nimaanddawa #lifesavingsurgery #lifechangingsurgery #seperationsurgery #transformationalsurgery #miraclebabies #sisters #sisterlylove #makingadifferencetogether #bhutan #childrenscharity #charity #kidscharity #childrensnotforprofit #notforprofit #kidsnotforprofit #bhutan #smalllivesbighope #hope #brighterfuture #miracles

18.01.2022 We are incredibly proud to announce that Children First Foundation Board Member, Dr Sue English was recognised in the 2021 Australia Day honours list. Sue was given a Medal of the Order of Australia (an OAM) in recognition of her service to the youth of Timor-Leste, to women, and to medicine. This honour is truly well deserved. Sue has volunteered in Timor-Leste, supporting young women gain access to education and health resources for nearly 20 years. She is also a founding ...member of International Women’s Forum Australia and of Bayside Friends of Salesian Missions in East Timor. As a CFF Board Member, Sue brings her expertise as a GP and advises us on non -surgical medical issues with the children as well as organising our vaccinations program. Her innovative ideas and wide connections are a huge support to our events team. Sue is a hands-on board member and loves to spend time with the kids cooking up a storm in the kitchen at The Retreat or taking the whole crew on day trips. She is a friend and huge inspiration to all the children but especially a real role model to all our young women you can dream to be what you can see. We are so proud that Sue has received this wonderful honour. #proud #honourslist #honour #volunteering #NFPboards

17.01.2022 Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Koko! Happy birthday to you! Wow! What a birthday! Not only is this young man celebrating his 14th birthday, but his leg has also now fully healed, and we are working hard to get him back home to PNG in time for Christmas. Not sure what else could top this! Happy birthday Koko! May all your wishes come true. #PNG #papuanewguinea #lifechangingsurgery #orthopedicsurgery ##birthdaycake #birthdaycake #birthdayboy #birthdaygift #bestbirthdayever #bestbirthdaygiftever #childrensnotforprofit #charity #childrenscharity #notforprofit #smalllivesbighope #makingadifferencetogether #makingadifference

17.01.2022 The kids have recently been gardening with gusto! With the help of our newest Retreat staff member, Tania (who is also a skilled landscape gardener), the kids have been showing The Retreat garden some love and attention! They have named this project the "Bloomin' Miracles Nursery". The team have planted lemons, mandarins, apples, pears and even passion fruit and cannot wait to taste the fruits of their labour! We are all really excited about this gardening project as it provides great enjoyment for kids and carers, and also offers the opportunity for them to learn skills they can use when they return home. #gardening #gardeningproject #learningnewskills #opportunities #lifechangingsurgery #lifesavingsurgery #makingadifferencetogether #smalllivesbighope #childrenscharity #charity #community #growth #development

16.01.2022 This is our current gang, all at various stages of their treatment (minus one - you know what it is like, trying to capture a family snap, there is always one that pulls a funny face or does a disappearing act ) If you’ve not met this gorgeous bunch yet, let us tell you a little bit about them ... L-R. First up is adorable Ilona from PNG. Ilona is 11 years old is with us for orthopaedic treatment. With several issues in her upper and lower right leg, before her surgery, l...Continue reading

15.01.2022 Here is a little something special for all of you from Angel or as she’s also known, Precy. Make sure you have your sound on ! You may remember little Angel from The Philippines who was with us in 2016. Angel was born with a large protrusion (known as an encephalocele) on her face which hung from her forehead and covered her nose and mouth. She was referred to us by our friends at Interplast Australia & New Zealand. Her surgery, which took place at Craniofacial Unit at A...delaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital, revealed a gorgeous little face that had be hidden for so long. Amazing performance Angel, keep up the playing and we love the in the background! #encephalocele #facialsurgery #facialsurgeryinchildren #facialdifferences #maxillofacialsurgery #maxillofacialsurgeryinchildren #plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeryinchildren #lifechangingsurgery #lifesavingsurgery #smalllivesbighope #brighterfuture #makingadifferencetogether #childrenscharity #charity #kidscharity #notforprofit #childrensnotforprofit #kidsnotforprofit #hope #healing

15.01.2022 In case you missed our earlier post..a little penguin tells us that there will be a couple of very SPECIAL GUESTS on the Live Feed of the Penguin Parade TONIGHT, starting at around 8.15pm AEST. Make sure you tune in! The kids in this photo are pictured with Jubbie Bossy, their adopted penguin, which a kind supporter arranged for them. #phillipsisland #phillipislandnaturepark #penguins #penguinparade #livepenguintv #penguinsofinstagram #childrenscharity #charity #lifechangingsurgery #lifesavingsurgery #smalllivesbighope #conservation #brighterfuture #victoria #nature #kidsinnature #kidsinnaturearehappy

15.01.2022 When was the last time you did something kind? What does it even mean to be kind? On World Kindness Day we asked our kids to share what that word means to them. Here is what they had to say. Happy World Kindness Day everyone #worldkindessday #bekind #brighterfuture #makingadifferencetogether #lifechangingsurgery #lifesavingsurgery #smalllivesbighope #childrenscharity #charity #kidscharity #notforprofit #childrensnotforprofit #kidsnotforprofit #hope #healing

12.01.2022 Our friends at Edwards & Co are donating 5% of the profits from their Black Friday Sale to us . So when you find something gorgeous for the little ones in your life on their website you'll be supporting us at the same time. We are so grateful to have such wonderful friends.

11.01.2022 Over the last 21 years, Children First Foundation has enabled over 400 disadvantaged children from 34 developing countries to receive life-changing, and life-saving surgery in Australia. These children are unable to access the medical care they desperately need, as the complex, and often multiple surgical procedures required, are not possible in their own countries. By collaborating with exceptional Australian surgeons, health professionals and hospitals, we enable these ...children to access world-class medical care in Australia, and a chance to transform their lives. Pre and post-surgery, the children are cared for at our Retreat in Kilmore, Victoria. 24/7 holistic care is provided by a team of skilled and dedicated staff and volunteers to maximise the result of the surgery. This unique model of community-based care offers a home-away-from-home for the children as they prepare for and recover from life-changing surgery. Our goal is to have these children return home, happy and healthy, with a brighter future ahead of them. #fairworld #changetheworld #equality #itstartswithus #hope #hopeforhumanity #justice #makingadifferencetogether #developingworld #childrenssurgery #lifechangingsurgery #lifesavingsurgery #childrenscharity #charity #notforprofit #childrensnotforprofit #worldequality #worldequality #equalrights #childrensrights #brighterfuture #smalllivesbighope #hope #healing #healthy #healthychildren #disadvantage #disadvantagechildren

10.01.2022 This year, we hope this gorgeous young man will receive the BEST Christmas present EVER! After being given the 'official' all-clear from his surgeon A/Professor Donnan last week, Koko can finally go home!!!! We are all so thrilled for him, as we know just how much he misses his family. So, it's all hands on deck, as we navigate how to get Koko back to PNG safely, and in the arms of his loving family in time for Christmas! As you can imagine, in these challenging COVID-19... times, this is no small feat! But we are doing everything we can to try and make it happen. For those of you familiar with Koko, you will know this is Koko's second time with us. He spent 12 months with us in 2015, when he underwent complex orthopaedic surgery, followed by extensive physiotherapy to correct a 90-degree bend in his lower leg. Koko was back earlier this year when a basketball injury damaged the specialist rod that was holding his leg in place, and more surgery was urgently needed. A huge to St Vincent's Private Hospital Melbourne and Associate Professor Donnan for their expert and generous care of young Koko. And of course, to all our donors and supporters we can only change the lives of kids like Koko because of your compassion and generosity. #christmas #christmaspresent #bestchristmaspresent #christmaswish #makeadifferencethischristmas #bestchristmas #orthopaedicsurgery #orthopaedictreatment #walkingpainfree #PNG #papuanewguinea #covid19 #coronavirus #quarantine #safetravelling #family #lifechangingsurgery #smalllivesbighope #brighterfuture #makingadifferencetogether #childrenscharity #charity #kidscharity #notforprofit #childrensnotforprofit #donors

08.01.2022 There is nothing better than whiling away the hours engrossed in a good book. Kyla Joy, Nichole and all the other kids and young people at The Retreat reading so much so that we need some new recommendations. What did you love reading as a kid or young person? Or what do your children love to read? Post your comments below the kids would love to be inspired by you! #books #reading #literacy #kids #childrensbooks #youngpeoplesbooks #childrensbookshelf #goodreads #readingtime #readingisfun #readinglist #goodbook #education # #readingislife lifechangingsurgery #lifesavingsurgery #charity #childrenscharity #kidscharity #notforprofit #childrensnotforprofit #smalllivesbighope #brighterfuture #makingadifferencetogether #makingadifference

08.01.2022 Do you remember this cute video of our awesome gang watching the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island Nature Parks’s Live Penguin TV a few months back? It caused quite a stir, particularly with Koko and Ilona squabbling to get the best view! Well, a little birdy or a rather a little penguin tells us that there will be a couple of very SPECIAL GUESTS on the Live Feed of Penguin Parade TONIGHT, starting at around 8.15pm AESET. Make sure you tune in! #phillipsisland #phillipislandnaturepark #penguins #penguinparade #livepenguintv #penguinsofinstagram #childrenscharity #charity #lifechangingsurgery #lifesavingsurgery #smalllivesbighope #conservation #brighterfuture #victiria #nature #kidsinnature #kidsinnaturearehappy

08.01.2022 Post 1/3 I was first introduced to the work of Children First Foundation by a friend and mentor. It was great to have the opportunity to use what I had trained to do for those that had little or no access to a type of life-changing surgical treatment. Says orthopaedic surgeon, A/Prof Leo Donnan, when we asked him how he first got involved with Children First Foundation. However, the operation is only the very beginning for this type of treatment, and it generally requires... months and months of care (psychological and physical) post-surgery. It is only with an organisation like Children First Foundation who looks after that extended post-surgical care, that this life-changing surgery and treatment can be achieved properly continues A/Prof Donnan. A/Prof Donnan has a very long and close relationship with Children First Foundation, which goes back to 2007. He has performed over 50 pro bono surgeries on our children in those 13 years and has undertaken some of our most challenging cases. Where other surgeons have said ‘no’ to complex cases, Leo usually finds a way he can make it work! Leo pictured with Motaz, Isoa and Thiery. credit Teagan Glenane. #orthopaedicsurgeon #orthopaedics #orthopaedictreatment #humanitarianmedicine #humanitarian #lifechangingsurgery #lifesavingsurgery #postsurgicalcare #rehabilitation #physiotheraphy #volunteer #volunteering #makingadifference #makingadifferencetogether #walkingpainfree #probonosurgery #transformativesurgery #childerenscharity #kidscharity #charity #childrensnotforprofit #kidsnotforprofit #brighterfuture

07.01.2022 Post 3/3 That each child or adolescent returns to their home a better person both physically and mentally. I hope each child goes home with a broad attitude to the world and an affection for the people of Australia, who without thought give so that they can have a far better life. I hope that these kids are ambassadors for our country and can potentially move to leadership roles within their own, but at a minimum, my wishes are that they lead healthy, happy and active lives.... Says A/Prof Donnan when we asked him what he hopes his work with us will achieve. We were incredibly proud to award Leo with our Pat Weldon Humanitarian Award 2020 at our recent Virtual Gala Ball in October. This annual award recognises an individual or organisation who has gone above and beyond to improve the lives of children in developing countries whether that be with their work in Australia or overseas. We couldn’t think of a more fitting candidate! Thank you for everything you do Leo! A/Prof Donnan pictured with Rach. #orthopaedicsurgeon #orthopaedics #orthopaedictreatment #humanitarianmedicine #humanitarian #lifechangingsurgery #lifesavingsurgery #postsurgicalcare #rehabilitation #physiotheraphy #volunteer #volunteering #makingadifference #makingadifferencetogether #walkingpainfree #probonosurgery #transformativesurgery #childerenscharity #kidscharity #charity #childrensnotforprofit #kidsnotforprofit #awards #betterlife #brighterfuture #ambassadorsforaustralia

07.01.2022 What do The Royals have to do with Children First Foundation??? Thanks to renowned jeweller and friend of Children First Foundation, Adrian Dickens we are going to be finding out all about the young Royals and you can too! Join us on Thursday 4 February for an exciting and entertaining online talk SIX YOUNG ROYALS AND THEIR WEDDING JEWELS! You’ll learn about the stories of some of the most beautiful jewels in the world. You’ll see close-up and revealing images of thes...e jewels in which Adrian discusses the different designs, the stones used and their various forms of setting. All proceeds from tickets sales will go directly to Children First Foundation. Tickets cost $20.00. Places are limited, book your spot today! https://bit.ly/2YlopET #royals #thequeen #queen #princephillip #princessdiana #princecharles #thecrown #princewilliam #catherine #dukeofcambridge #duchessofcambridge #dukeofsus #princeharry #harry #meghan #princessbeatrice #princesseugenie #charity #childrenscharity #jewels #jewellery #lifechangingsurgery #lifesavingsurgery #crown

06.01.2022 I hope that my surgery and treatment for my legs is good. I will then return back to Tanzania to finish school. Maybe I will be an English Teacher or even a Ballerina ! Once I start working, I want to make sure I can help my family. Since being here at The Retreat, I have become more confident , so I hope that continues, but what I hope for most is that no one laughs anymore at me because of my legs. This is what Christina said when we asked her what her hopes ...were for the future. Christina is with us for surgery and treatment for her severely bowed legs. You can read more of her story- see the link in comments. #orthopaedicsurgery #walkingpainfree #bowedlegs #rickets #legstraightening #saynotobullying #brighterfuture #confidence #resilience #hope #future #smalllivesbighope #family #Tanzania #EastAfrica #lifechangingsurgery #lifechangingtreatment #childrenscharity #charity #kidscharity #childrensnotforprofit #notforprofit #kidsnotforprofit.

06.01.2022 Have you subscribed to our quarterly e-newsletter? It’s where we dive deeper into the kids’ stories, share other exciting news, let you know about the amazing events we run, and of course, where we share some very cute snaps (like the one above ) and a heap of other cool stuff. Our summer newsletter will be out very soon. Sign up today to make sure you don’t miss out, sign up here https://bit.ly/33WkhiC #lifechangingsurgery #lifesavingsurgery #lifesavingtreatment #lifechangingtreatment #makingadifferencetogether #brighterfuture #community #givingback #childrenscharity #charity #childrensnotforprofit #notforprofit #smalllivesbighope

06.01.2022 Was this your household this weekend? With six (always!) hungry kids and young people at The Retreat currently, we feel your pain . Tag someone who you think will relate! #mumlife #dadlife #kids #lookingafterkids #lookingafterchildren #alwayshungry #hangry #canIpleasehaveasnack #canIhaveatreat #parentlife #moreplease

05.01.2022 We’ve had lots of new supporters on Facebook recently, so here is a post to tell you about who we are and why we do what we do... We exist because life isn’t fair. Around the world, there are so many children living in pain. Children who need complex surgery and treatment that they cannot access their home countries. Children First Foundation started some 21 years ago when a group of people came together because they passionately believed that all children, regardless... of where they are born, have the right to live a healthy and happy life. They thought that they could do something to make a difference, that they could help create a brighter future for these kids. Since then, we’ve been working tirelessly to facilitate life-changing and life-saving surgery in Australia for disadvantaged children from developing countries where such surgery and treatment is not possible. Together with our supporters, donors and medical partners, over the last 21 years, we’ve facilitated life-changing and life-saving surgeries for over 400 children from 34 countries. There are many ways that you can join us in make a difference and get involved in helping these kids get a second chance in life, click here https://www.childrenfirstfoundation.org.au/support-us/ #fairworld #changetheworld #equality #itstartswithus #hope #hopeforhumanity #justice #makingadifferencetogether #developingworld #childrenssurgery #lifechangingsurgery #lifesavingsurgery #childrenscharity #charity #notforprofit #childrensnotforprofit #worldequality #worldequality #equalrights #childrensrights #brighterfuture #smalllivesbighope #rotary

04.01.2022 What’s a crown got to do with Children First Foundation? Well.. we are very lucky to be partnering with renowned jeweller and friend of Children First Foundation Adrian Dickens from Circa AD Jewels to bring to you an exciting and entertaining online talk - Six Young British Royals and Their Wedding Jewels! In this talk, Adrian discusses the pieces worn by the younger royals on their wedding days, and those selected by Her Majesty for these family occasions. You’ll learn ...about the stories of some of the most beautiful jewels in the world. All proceeds from tickets sales will go directly to Children First Foundation. Tickets cost $20.00. Places are limited, book your spot today! https://www.trybooking.com/BOGBO #royals #thequeen #queen #princephillip #princessdiana #princecharles #thecrown #princewilliam #catherine #dukeofcambridge #duchessofcambridge #dukeofsus #princeharry #harry #meghan #princessbeatrice #princesseugenie #charity #childrenscharity #jewels #jewellery #lifechangingsurgery #lifesavingsurgery

01.01.2022 Post 2/3 What has kept me involved with Children First Foundation is that there is far more happening than what is being done surgically. These children and young adults are also given something very special during their time at The Retreat, in the form of education, life skills and improved wellbeing. Not only do they return home physically better, but as true citizens of the world, with broader perspectives and greater potential than they would have ever achieved if it wa...s not for Children First Foundation. Finally, from a surgical point of view, the cases put forward to me by the Foundation are characterised by significant challenges, and because I guess that is what I like, it is difficult to say no! We are so grateful to have Professor Donnan as part of the Children First Foundation. Without incredible surgeons and other medical professionals like Leo, we would not be able to do what we do. A/Prof Donnan pictured with Thiery. credit Teagan Glenane #orthopaedicsurgeon #orthopaedics #orthopaedictreatment #humanitarianmedicine #humanitarian #lifechangingsurgery #lifesavingsurgery #postsurgicalcare #rehabilitation #physiotheraphy #volunteer #volunteering #makingadifference #makingadifferencetogether #walkingpainfree #probonosurgery #transformativesurgery #childerenscharity #kidscharity #charity #childrensnotforprofit #kidsnotforprofit #education #educationoutcomes #lifeskills #citizensoftheworld #globalcitizens