About us

Unfortunately there is still no cure for Cystic Fibrosis. This is something we hope to change...

We are a group of mums, dads, aunties, uncles, friends, and selfless volunteers united by one purpose… to improve and extend the lives of those living with Cystic Fibrosis.

Our journey began when a small group of parents of children with Cystic Fibrosis came together with a simple goal: to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis WA.  From that passion, the 65 Roses Grand Ball was born. At our very first Ball in 2002, we raised almost $43,000.

What started as a single event has grown into a powerful community movement. Today, the annual Conquer Cystic Fibrosis Gala Ball continues to be our flagship fundraiser, supported by a growing calendar of events,  including the hugely popular Bingo for Conquer Cystic Fibrosis, now held three times every week. These events keep vital funds flowing to the medical researchers who have the potential to save the lives of those we love.

From that first Ball to today, Conquer Cystic Fibrosis has raised more than $6 million (profit) for CF research. Many of the research projects we have funded are now being used in clinical care here in Australia and around the world, real progress making a real difference.

Research is the key to giving people with Cystic Fibrosis the chance to live a full life. In the 1960s, the life expectancy for someone with CF was just 5 years. Today, it is 54. Medical researchers have driven that extraordinary progress, and they need our support to go further.

Committee of Management

 

 

  • Wendy Endebrock-Brown – Chairperson
  • Fiona Byrne – Treasurer
  • Susan Andrews – Director
  • Taryn Barrett – Member
  • Annette Boyle – Member
  • Kylie Guerriero – Member

Volunteers

We can always use more help! If you can help please contact us.

info@conquercysticfibrosis.com

We can always use more help!  Whether you have one hour or many, we’d love to hear from you.

You might have a special skill we need, or you might simply be full of great ideas and energy. We are a friendly, no‑pressure group doing what we can, together. Whether you’d like to join the Gala Ball Committee, help at an event, or assist with sourcing donations, we’d be thrilled to have you involved.

We also warmly encourage families to get involved by hosting their own fundraisers from sausage sizzles and sporting challenges to morning teas or even a grand cocktail party.  Every effort makes a real difference.

We’re also grateful to hear from people living with Cystic Fibrosis who would like to share their story, write a blog piece, or help us promote our message. Your voice matters, and your experience helps others understand why our work is so important.

The 2026 Gala Ball Committee of Volunteers

  • Susan Andrews
  • Taryn Barrett
  • Marlene Blackwood
  • Annette Boyle
  • Brad Boyle
  • Bridget Brown
  • Paula Butchart
  • Fiona Byrne
  • Caroline Claydon
  • Holly Edwards-Smith
  • Kaila Endebrock-Brown
  • Rob Endebrock-Brown
  • Wendy Endebrock-Brown
  • Ben Graham
  • Shelley Greenway
  • Michelle Lindley
  • Sharon Lomax
  • Sue Morey
  • Rita Pahl
  • Katya Price
  • Lisa Reynolds
  • Tina Rodrigo
  • Sue Wake
  • Lisa Younger

Image generously supplied by SoCo Studios

Research

Conquer Cystic Fibrosis supports world class Cystic Fibrosis research.

Conquer Cystic Fibrosis has funded more than 25 research projects, supporting world‑class Cystic Fibrosis research through three primary channels.

Each project CCF supports has the potential to transform care, improve outcomes, and extend the lives of people living with CF.

Institute of Respiratory Health (IRH)

Building WA’s CF research workforce and clinical excellence.

In 2015, CCF formed a major partnership with the Institute of Respiratory Health in Nedlands.  Through a $1 million commitment over five years, CCF established the Conquer Cystic Fibrosis Research Program.  This program funded three postgraduate PhD scholarships, designed to:

  • Foster careers in Cystic Fibrosis research
  • Strengthen adult CF care in Western Australia
  • Attract and retain top clinicians and researchers in Western Australia

These scholarships continue to build long‑term research capacity and clinical leadership in CF across the State.

 Australian Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust (ACFRT)

Supporting high‑quality, peer‑reviewed national research.

The Australian Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust (ACFRT) funds high‑quality CF research across Australia.  Only projects assessed and recommended by the scientific community receive support.

In 2024–2025 CCF continued to co‑fund peer‑reviewed studies exploring:

  • Genetic and cell‑based therapies
  • Digital health innovations
  • New multidisciplinary models of care

These projects aim to improve life expectancy, health outcomes and overall wellbeing for people living with CF.

 The Kids Research Institute Australia/Wal‑yan Respiratory Research Centre

Bringing phage therapy to Western Australia.

Access to phage therapy, a promising treatment for antibiotic‑resistant superbugs, is now closer for people with CF in WA thanks to a $500,000 donation from CCF to the Wal‑yan Respiratory Research Centre.

This investment enabled the establishment of a phage bioreactor facility in Western Australia, allowing phage’s to be manufactured locally for patients with very limited or no treatment options.

This research is urgently needed and is giving families living with CF real hope.

CCF’s research investments:

  • Build Western Australia’s research workforce
  • Support national scientific excellence
  • Accelerate innovative treatments
  • Bring new therapies closer to families
  • Strengthen WA’s contribution to global CF research

CCF’s catalytic funding model ensures that every dollar raised by the community drives scientific progress.