HMF Celebrates 35 years

The Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF) is preparing to commemorate a major milestone in 2023. Initially established in 1986...

October 22, 2022

The Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF) is preparing to commemorate a major milestone in 2023.

Initially established in 1986 to provide moral and financial support to the Melanoma Unit, the HMF is today one of the Hunter’s most recognisable education community organisations.

And, to launch being On the Spot for 35 years, the registered charity will host a celebratory lunch – at the Newcastle Exhibition & Convention Centre (NEX) on Friday 17 February – with Deborah Hutton as the keynote speaker.

Having undergone major surgery to remove two Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC) in 2020, the Australian media personality understands the ramifications of sun exposure and importance of early detection and prevention.

HMF’s executive officer Claudia Tolhurst said the foundation was extremely grateful to have Ms Hutton as its special guest.

“Being such a prominent figure in Australia, Deborah has been a vital advocate in ensuring the conversations around education and awareness of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer are at the forefront,” she explained.

For Ms Hutton, herself, the opportunity to connect with the local community was welcomed.

“The Hunter region once had one of the highest incidences of melanoma per capita in Australia,” she said.

“However, through educational and research programs support by HMF, this continues to steadily decrease.

“I thank the foundation for the opportunity to help raise awareness of the importance of early detection and prevention of melanoma and other skin cancers in the Hunter community.”

Tickets for the lunch are now available via, 35th Birthday Lunch with Deborah Hutton (crowdcatcher.co)

“This will be such an impactful way to launch our 35-year celebrations of being On the Spot,” Ms Tolhurst said.

“We’re looking forward to sharing more exciting events and activations with the local community throughout 2023.”

Purchase your tickets here

Join us in the fight against melanoma

With your help, over the past 35+ years, we’ve been working to defeat melanoma—and we know the work we’re doing is making a real difference. But there’s still much more to do.

In the Hunter New England Local Health District, melanoma is now the second most diagnosed cancer (Cancer Institute NSW, February 2024), underscoring the urgent need for continued awareness, early detection, and prevention.

Nationally, melanoma remains the most common cancer among Australians aged 20 to 39. Your donation and ongoing support allow us to continue this life-saving work—funding education programs, supporting patients, and advancing research to reduce the impact of melanoma in our community.