Improving health in northern communities
Northern Community Health & Research Foundation
The Northern Community Health & Research Foundation (NCHRF) is a dedicated, volunteer-led not-for-profit organisation committed to enhancing the health and wellbeing of communities in the northern communities of Adelaide. Our focus is primarily on the inner north districts of the Corporations of Prospect, Walkerville, and Port Adelaide & Enfield Area, where we aim to create sustainable improvements to health outcomes through research, partnerships, and community programs.
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NCHRF Research Week
We are proud to announce our inaugural NCHRF Research Week, 21st September to 1st October 2026.
NCHRF Research Week will showcase groundbreaking research and community projects supported by the Foundation and offer opportunities for health professionals to learn from world leaders in health and medical research. Click on the link to find out more.
Plenary Presentation
Tuesday 22 September 2026
6pm - 9pm
National Wine Centre
Join the Board and partners of the Northern Community Health and Research Foundation at the Plenary Presentation for our inaugural NCHRF Research Week.
Featuring our 2026 Visiting Professor's Address, in which Professor Emilio Nuzzolese of the University of Turin will share insights from his work as an internationally-recognised academic clinician in the field of forensic odontology casework for victim identification.
The Visiting Professor's Address will be followed by a panel discussion led by Professor Nuzzolese and Dr John Berketa, Forensic Odontologist, Researcher and Scene Team Leader, Forensic Odontology Unit, Adelaide University. This session will provide attendees with a greater understanding of South Australian forensic odontologic practice, including how artificial intelligence is supporting this vital work.
Along with the focus on our 2026 research topic of forensic odontology, the Northern Community Health & Research Foundation will present an overview of recent work of the Foundation and announce the winner of the 2026 Derek Frewin Early Career Researcher Award for 2026.
Our Mission
The Foundation’s mission is to facilitate improving health outcomes for the northern communities of Adelaide.
We work to achieve this by strategic investment in both research and community-based health programs, ensuring that support is given to both local and broader health initiatives. We provide funding support to research and initiatives that benefit health and medical research, as well as community health programs in these areas.
NCHRF aims to improve health outcomes in the northern communities by:
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Funding grants for South Australian health and medical research
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Investing in and promoting initiatives to foster better health outcomes in northern communities
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Partnering with local health groups and organisations to ensure impactful delivery of services and programs
Our Achievements
Beginning with initial funding derived from the sale of assets tied to the closure of the Northern Community Hospital in 1988, the Foundation has distributed grants to support researchers and community programs aimed at improving health outcomes.
These grants have made a tangible difference by supporting researchers and community programs and, importantly, have been applied as seed funding for major research, attracting over $10.6 million in additional funds for health-related research and delivering health improvements at the national level.
Throughout the years since, the Foundation has continued to benefit from the generous support of the community to achieve our goals.
Key achievements include:
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$10.6M research funded seeded, delivering national research outcomes
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Over 100 programs and events supported, including 19 Visiting Professor Programs bringing internationally renowned researchers to Adelaide to work with practitioners, researchers and students
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Supported numerous General Practitioner (GP) education and networking opportunities, the needs of community living with spectrum disorders and other research and community needs
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Financed PhD scholarships related to the study of medical and health issues through the University of Adelaide’s Three Minute Thesis and the annual Derek Frewin Early Career Award
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Funded projects relating to mental health areas
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Assisted local community organisations, such as Rotary and Lions to hold health screening events in shopping centres, and providing defibrillators in places such as community and bowling clubs and sportsgrounds
The Board
A voluntary board of ten members, with skills across Business, Economics, Finance, Medicine (Specialist and General Practice), Medical Academia, Health Management, Legal Services, Social Enterprise and Marketing is responsible for the management and administration of The Northern Community Health and Research Foundation.
Empower Leaders and Change-Makers
A significant focus for the NCH Research Foundation is to undertake a major project on Ageing and End of Life Care.
In addition, the foundation provides support to General Practitioner (GP) education and networking opportunities, the needs of people living with spectrum disorders and other research and community needs of the people of the northern areas. Enhancing opportunities for improved facilities and services are part of the ongoing mission of the foundation.
NCH Research Foundation has, among a myriad of projects:
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Financed PhD scholarships related to the study of health issues through the University of Adelaide's Three Minute Thesis and the annual Derek Frewin Early Career Award.
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Assisted in funding the costs of visiting overseas professors or medical experts for advice, training and lectures.
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Funded projects relating to mental health areas.
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Assisted local community organisations, such as Rotary and Lions inholding health screening events in shopping centres, providing defibrillators in places such as community and bowling clubs and sports grounds.
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Funded research projects with relevance to the northern communities local community.
Partners
