Australia holds the unenviable title of having the highest incidence of melanoma globally, and within the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), it ranks as the second most diagnosed cancer. However, efforts to combat this alarming trend have received a significant boost, thanks to a recent financial grant.
The Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF), a leading organization in the fight against skin cancer, has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Port of Newcastle’s (PoN) Your Port, Our Community program. This funding is part of a larger $100,000 distribution to ten local beneficiaries, aimed at supporting community initiatives.
Spot Check Initiative Returns
The grant will facilitate the return of HMF’s Spot Check initiative in 2026, a program that has proven instrumental in early melanoma detection. Since its inception in 2020, the initiative has conducted 2,724 free skin checks, identified 503 suspicious spots, and detected 114 suspected melanomas.
“If caught early, it has a 90% cure rate. So, providing our community with access to premature detection remains central to our work,” stated Claudia Tolhurst, HMF’s executive officer.
The collaboration with the Port of Newcastle ensures that the Spot Check program can continue to serve the Hunter region, a commitment that both organizations share in reducing the impact of melanoma.
Community Support and Impact
Lucas Coleman, executive manager of corporate affairs at PoN, emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that promote sun safety and early diagnosis. “While the port and Newcastle may be synonymous with golden sand, sunshine, and glistening waters, unfortunately, our region also has a concerningly high rate of melanoma,” he said.
“Safety’s in PoN’s DNA. And, the potentially life-saving work Hunter Melanoma Foundation does to promote sun safety and early diagnosis, particularly through its free skin checks, is something we support wholeheartedly,” Coleman added.
The Your Port, Our Community program, since its launch in 2014, has distributed over $1.1 million in funding, reflecting the ongoing demand for services provided by local charities and not-for-profits.
Broader Community Initiatives
The 2025 grant recipients include a diverse range of organizations, each contributing to the community’s well-being in unique ways:
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance: Funding for an accessible gym at the new Hunter Disability Centre in Beresfield.
- Home in Place: ‘Curious Minds’ STEM workshops across various schools.
- St Vincent de Paul Society NSW: Support for emergency staples and Christmas hampers.
- Moree & District Historical Society Inc: Purchase of a portable defibrillator for the Moree Plains Museum.
- Cancer Patients Foundation: ‘Look Good Feel Better’ program for cancer patients.
- Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation: Free lawn care for those undergoing breast cancer treatment.
- Country Universities Centre (CUC) North-West: Career pathway programs using VR technology.
- Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage: Installation of public boating and water safety signage.
- Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT: Funding for essential therapies and equipment for children.
As the holiday season approaches, the Port of Newcastle expressed its hope that this funding would bring festive cheer and certainty to the recipient organizations as they plan for the coming year.
With melanoma rates remaining a significant concern, the continued support for initiatives like the Spot Check program is crucial. As these efforts progress, the Hunter region can look forward to a future where early detection and prevention become the norm, potentially saving countless lives.
