The Sapphire Committee

The Sapphire Committee emulates its namesake jewel, fittingly, Queensland’s official state gem.

Behind the sparkle and style of a sapphire lies true substance with the gemstone possessing unrivalled resilience and strength.

This sentiment applies to the Sapphire Committee, a talented and tireless collective of modern philanthropists who volunteer their time to create meaningful and lasting change for future generations.

The Committee raises funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation to encourage research and innovation, promote a legacy of support and care and make an indelible impact on the children’s health landscape.

The Committee’s always-on approach to philanthropy connects people to a cause, inspiring change and building a community of like-minded, values-driven people.

The Sapphire Committee is:

Elizabeth Benson (Chair) Tim Benson

Sharni Buckner Julia Davey

Bree Hough Geraldine Hore

Kathleen Kedwell Suzie Majer

Jordan Navybox Pip Spiro

Pete Cunningham Kate Greaves

Lil McVay

WHAT WE DO

The Sapphire Committee is creating a new legacy of philanthropy in Queensland.

An always-on calendar of philanthropic activity – crowned by the glittering Sapphire Gala – illustrates the Committee’s innovative approach to fundraising.

The Queensland Children’s Hospital is the Committee’s exclusive beneficiary with donations funding ground-breaking research, cutting-edge equipment and vital in-hospital support.

How we make a difference:

Mary McConnel Career Boost Progra

Female clinician-researchers can apply for one of three annual $50,000 grants to support their careers, with The Sapphire Committee funding the program until 2026. The program provides vital support and financial aid to female researchers, from pre-PhD to early and mid-career stages.

The Sapphire Committee delivers the Mary McConnel Career Boost Program in partnership with DISSH.

ACTION Centre

A $400,000 investment by the Sapphire Committee helped establish the ACTION (Advanced therapies and Clinical Trials InnovatiON) Centre in October 2023. It gives children living with rare diseases and complex illnesses access to cutting-edge treatments and potentially life-changing therapies.

The Ian Frazer Centre for Children’s Immunotherapy Research

The Sapphire Committee invested $100,000 from its inaugural Supper Club event to help establish Australia’s first dedicated children’s immunotherapy research centre. The centre’s mission is to develop breakthrough cancer treatments for children.

Children’s Hospital Foundation

The Children’s Hospital Foundation is the only charity in Queensland that caters to kids with all illnesses, injuries, and conditions.

The Sapphire Committee exists to support the Foundation in making a meaningful and lasting impact on ill and injured children and their families.

The Foundation is the Committee’s exclusive beneficiary, and this partnership ensures that the scope and impact of shared values and innovative philanthropy run far and deep.

The Children’s Hospital Foundation makes a genuine difference in the lives of young Queenslanders by funding crucial equipment, industry-leading research and on-the-ground support.

The Foundation provides more than funds; it offers hope.

Hope of a medical breakthrough. Hope for world-class care. Hope for a speedy recovery. Hope for comfort in challenging times.

Help make a difference today

For more information on the Children’s Hospital Foundation please click here.