Community drives transformational change

Since 2021, the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) has transformed community generosity into one of Australia’s most significant brain cancer care and research efforts.

^{📷  Mark Hughes Foundation volunteers sell beanies to the community at the NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, helping raise vital funds for brain cancer research.}

From beanie day fundraisers to sporting campaigns to national recognition, the MHF is known for its incredible influence in rallying the community behind a cause.

The latest milestone is a commitment of $18.9 million over five years to the MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research at the University of Newcastle to accelerate research discoveries into clinical practice.

A national movement built by community

This commitment brings the MHF’s total contribution through the University to $36.6 million, making it one of the largest philanthropic investments in brain cancer research nationally and the largest donation in the University’s history.

Behind this transformational commitment are thousands of individual acts of generosity from the community to help improve the lives of people and families affected by brain cancer. Co-Founder Mark Hughes OAM reflects on the Foundation’s inspirational progress.

“This commitment is a proud moment for everyone who has supported the Mark Hughes Foundation over the years. Every beanie sold, every donation made, every event attended and every person who has stood with us has contributed to this moment and is helping to change the future of brain cancer research in Australia,” Mark says.

Real impact

Since the University’s MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research was established in 2022, it has rapidly transformed Newcastle into a powerhouse of research and innovation.

Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australian children and adults under 40, yet receives less than five per cent of federal cancer research funding, with survival outcomes largely unchanged for three decades.

By sharing tools and platforms, the MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research is reducing duplication and enabling a nationally connected research ecosystem. The renewed commitment will drive the next phase of research and support clinicians and partners across Australia working to tackle brain cancer and improve outcomes for patients.

^{📷  Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Professor Lisa Wood (left); Kirralee (second from left) and Mark Hughes OAM (middle), MHF Co-Founders; Professor Mike Fay (second from right), MHF Chair in Brain Cancer and Centre Director; and University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alex Zelinsky AO (right).}

Recognising a driving force behind national efforts to tackle brain cancer

MHF Co-Founder and alumna, Kirralee Hughes, was awarded Cancer Australia’s 2026 Jeannie Ferris Award in the Members of the Community category, in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to improving brain cancer care.

“This award reflects the many amazing people I’ve had the privilege to work with, especially my husband Mark, our amazing MHF team, and all the staff at the MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research at the University of Newcastle,” Kirralee says.

Your generosity in action

• $36.6 million pledged by the Mark Hughes Foundation.
• More than 160 Centre members collaborating nationwide.
• Access to the WEHI BRAIN Registry, containing data from more than 10,500 patients.
• 40 collaborating research institutes, hospitals and universities.
• 47 early career researchers at the Centre.

Thank you

Thank you to the Mark Hughes Foundation for its vision, generosity and unwavering commitment to transforming brain cancer research in Australia.

And thank you to the community. Every beanie, every fundraiser held, every dollar raised brings real hope to thousands of families across Australia.

The first phase of the MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research focused on building the infrastructure – investing in people, equipment and partnerships. Today, we have the expertise, technology, and strong relationships with the nation’s leading researchers in brain cancer research. By working as one team, we’re achieving far greater impact for people affected by brain cancer and their families than any of us could alone.”

Professor Mike Fay
Director, MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research

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Contact

• Office of Philanthropy
• Phone: 02 4921 8612
• Email: donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au