Barry Mackinnon
Chairperson
Leads the Board, guiding the Foundation's strategy and ensuring our resources deliver the greatest benefit to hearing-impaired children and their families.
barry.mackinnon@hearingresearchsupport.org
Our Story
Founded in 1987. Focused ever since.
The Hearing Research & Support Foundation Inc. was established on 15 June 1987 by people who understood a simple truth: for a hearing-impaired child, specialist education is not a luxury — it is the difference between being left behind and flourishing.
Rather than chasing growth for its own sake, the Foundation chose a disciplined model. We built and carefully steward an investment fund, and we apply the income it generates directly to our charitable purposes: assisting families with the cost of specialist schooling, and supporting organisations working to prevent hearing impairment in children.
We have been registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission since 2 December 2012, with recognised charitable purposes of advancing education and advancing health. We remain a deliberately small charity — low overheads, careful governance, and a deep commitment to the children we serve.
Why We Exist
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To remove the financial barriers that stand between hearing-impaired children and the specialist education they need to reach their full potential; to fund research and prevention initiatives that reduce hearing impairment in children; and to actively pursue every grant, deal and partnership — traditional and digital — that expands what we can do for our beneficiaries.
Our Vision
An Australia where no child's hearing loss limits their education, opportunity or sense of belonging — and where sustained research investment has made preventable childhood hearing impairment a thing of the past.
Families First
Every decision starts with the child and family it will help.
Integrity
Transparent governance and annual ACNC reporting.
Stewardship
Investment income, not capital churn, funds our work for the long term.
Opportunity
We explore every grant and partnership that can benefit our beneficiaries.
Our Journey
Milestones along the way
1987
The Foundation is established
Founded on 15 June 1987 to support hearing-impaired children and their families across Australia.
2012
ACNC charity registration
Registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission on 2 December 2012.
2013
Charitable purposes formalised
Our subtypes of advancing education and advancing health take effect, reflecting the twin pillars of our work.
2017
Governing document lodged
Our governing document is lodged with the ACNC, strengthening transparency for supporters.
Today
Building our digital future
We are actively applying for digital grants and partnerships to grow our online presence, produce informational videos and infographics, and reach more families and donors — at hearingresearchsupport.org.
Accountability
Charity registration
We believe supporters deserve complete clarity about who we are. Our details, as registered with the ACNC:
| Legal name | Hearing Research & Support Foundation Inc. |
|---|---|
| ABN | 62 910 848 824 |
| Status | Registered charity |
| Date established | 15 June 1987 |
| ACNC registered | 2 December 2012 |
| Charity size | Small |
| Who we help | People with disabilities — hearing-impaired children and their families |
| Charitable purposes | Advancing education · Advancing health |
| Financial year end | 31 December |
| Program | Hearing Research & Support Service (Disability services) |
Governance
Our Board
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Responsible People, registered with the ACNC, who give their time and expertise to keep our work accountable and effective.
Leonard Blyth
Treasurer
Oversees the Foundation's finances and investment stewardship, ensuring income is applied prudently to family assistance and research support.
leonard.blyth@hearingresearchsupport.orgCristina Sandri
Secretary
Maintains the Foundation's governance, records and regulatory reporting, including our annual submissions to the ACNC.
cristina.sandri@hearingresearchsupport.orgKaren Venard
Director
Contributes to Board decision-making on family assistance, partnerships and the Foundation's growing digital outreach program.
karen.venard@hearingresearchsupport.orgNigel Thomas
Board Member
Supports the Board's oversight of programs and grant opportunities, helping identify new ways to serve our beneficiaries.
nigel.thomas@hearingresearchsupport.orgGeneral enquiries
For all other matters, our team is ready to help.
contact@hearingresearchsupport.orgStand with us for hearing-impaired children
Your support helps a child access specialist education — and funds the research that could prevent hearing loss for the next generation.