Bowel Cancer is the deadliest cancer for people aged 25-44. With cases on the rise year-on-year, our partnership with Bowel Cancer Australia will support the transformation of research and knowledge into accessible programs and services for patients. 

FDC’s 18th annual Melbourne Cup Luncheon in November, 2024, has proudly raised $450,000 for Bowel Cancer Australia. The sum raised will contribute to Bowel Cancer Australia’s key initiatives:

1. Australian-first GP Education Modules: research shows younger patients may wait anywhere from 3 months to 5 years for a diagnosis, often due to the misconception of bowel cancer being an “old person’s disease.” These resources will enhance awareness of symptoms, improve understanding of early-onset bowel cancer, and promote timely referrals for better patient outcomes.

2. Early-Onset Bowel Cancer Research: FDC will be funding the second year of a new research project focused on early-onset bowel cancer research. We know that 99% of bowel cancer are treatable if they are detected early.

3. Specialist Bowel Cancer Nurses: the funding of devoted Specialist Bowel Care Nurse support in regional areas providing more patients with the care they deserve, as close to home as possible.

These initiatives reflect our commitment to making a lasting impact in the fight against bowel cancer. Together, we are helping pave the way for earlier diagnosis, better treatment options, and greater support for patients, especially in regional areas.

Thank you to all who joined us in honouring this cause and making a difference in the lives of those affected.

Donation

$450,000

2024

Committed to giving brain cancer patients access to treatments that offer the best chance for survival, the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation is leading the way in supporting initiatives that cover the entire research journey.

In October 2024, FDC hosted the inaugural FDC Invitational Golf Day at the prestigious Yarra Yarra Golf Club, in Melbourne. With the help of subcontractors, consultants and volunteers, the event included 18 holes of golf, with fundraising activities on various holes, followed by a dinner and auction.

We are please to have raised a total of $82,670. The money raised will go towards and Preclinical & Clinical Acceleration Programs. These programs aim to determine more effective and accurate methods of evaluating potential treatments early and accelerate these discoveries into clinical trials, to provide patients access to potential treatments with the highest likelihood of increasing survival.

Donation

$82,670

2024

4 Aussie Heroes are committed to aiding and respecting military and first responders, past and present, who are struggling as a result of their service. 

For the sixth year, FDC are proud to be the major sponsor of their signature event, Pedals n Medals. Over two days in October, the team peddled 285km through the Northern Rivers District of NSW, raising funds that go toward the construction of their Camp Courage retreat, and the rehabilitation programs developed and run by the foundation. In 2024, FDC’s sponsorship and team fundraising totalled $32,715.

Donation

$32,714

2024

Each year we ride for 3 days through regional Australia raising money for a grassroots regional charity. It is part of our annual charity bike ride, Ride to Give.

In June 2024 Ride to Give riders raised an incredible $415,555 for our giving partner – Boys to the Bush (BttB). Covering 485km from Young to Canberra, we were able to donate an additional $30,000 to regional communities along the route.

Focusing on prevention and early intervention strategies, BttB supports some of our communities’ most vulnerable boys in becoming good men in the future. Funds raised will fund a new depot in Forbes, a new boat in Young, and a minibus for travel in Echucha. Additional funds will be invested into camp fees for over 40 kids who otherwise would’ve been unable to afford it.

A sincere thank you to the connections and communities we met along the way including teachers, kids and parents at Crookwell and Gundaroo Public Schools; the Rapid Relief teams in Young and Goulburn; Wiradjuri Country Elders, Marnie Freeman and Stewart James Freeman; Young Preschool; the Young Girl Guides; Harden CWA; Binalong Community Club; Yass Valley S.P.I.N Foundation (Lion’s); Beau Cosgrove and Cosgrove family; Convoy for Kids Goulburn; and Ngunnawal Elder, Serena Williams.

To read more about our annual charity bike ride, Ride to Give click here. 

Donation

$445,555

2024

Being made up of a diverse group of people, including those who have served in the armed forces, at FDC we understand the importance of supporting our returned service men and women.

4 Aussie Heroes recognises the gap in the rehabilitation process of military and first responder personnel, past and present who are struggling and suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues. They offer a holistic, all-encompassing approach to the rehabilitation process that includes partners, children, and carers. FDC’s $22,500 Pedals n’ Medals sponsorship and $22,000 fundraising efforts will contribute to further develop ‘Camp Courage’ Rural Rehabilitation Retreat.

Donation

$44,500

2022 – 2023

Fostering remarkable partnerships with our clients is the cornerstone of our success, which is why we take pride in the enduring relationships we’ve cultivated over time.

Ongoing partner of FDC, Ronald McDonald House Charities, helps the continuation of family life while a child is undergoing treatment. For RMHC, 2023 marks 24 years of service providing support and accommodation for critically ill children and their families.

In November 2023, RMHC SEQ was the beneficiary of FDC Queensland’s Subbies Golf Day. The RMHC SEQ Houses require much needed upgrades and maintenance. Our fundraising efforts will be the major contributor to the painting of the façade of their South Brisbane House.

Donation

$35,000

2023

Camp Quality services and programs help families build optimism and resilience through community, education, and fun. They assist children aged 0-15 years dealing with their own cancer diagnosis, or the diagnosis of a sibling or parent, providing support every step of the way.

For almost 40 years Camp Quality’s innovative Puppet Programs, Hospital Programs, and Recreation Programs have significantly improved the quality of life of children and families affected by cancer. Camp Quality also provides online services and resources that are available 24/7 – whenever and wherever they are needed.

On the 20^th of November, FDC held an Invitational Charity Golf Day at Yarra Yarra Golf Club. Over the course of the day sponsors participated in activities on and off the course, and an auction contributing to the funds raised on the day.

Donation

$53,356

2023

Soldier On is a national not-for-profit organisation and has been supporting the veteran community since 2012.

Soldier On was established to support those returned personnel that had been physically or psychologically impacted by their service. Through the delivery of holistic services, we currently support more than 3000 veterans and their family members.

In March 2023, FDC participated in ‘Brothers Walking for Veterans’, supporting ‘March On with Solider On’ to raise funds and awareness to prevent veteran suicide and support soldiers suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The walk covered the length of the Kokoda Track, honouring the courage and sacrifice of veterans in the Second World War. FDC participants commenced their 117.5km walk in Lake Hume, then to Corryong via Cudgewa, raising funds online through the support of family, friends, subbies, co-workers, and consultants.

Donation

$19,902

2023

Australia is experiencing a youth mental health crisis, with an estimated 1 million young people (aged 16- 24) experiencing a mental health disorder in the last 12 months.

FDC’s 2023 (and 17^th annual) Melbourne Cup Luncheon has proudly raised $410,095.38 for the Black Dog Institute’s Future Proofing Study – Australia’s largest and most comprehensive study of teenage mental health and wellbeing, working with 6,388 students from 134 schools over five years.

Launched in 2019, the Future Proofing Study is a ground-breaking initiative built on the notion that prevention is better than cure. The objective of the study is to assess the status of youth mental health in Australia and identify the risks and protective factors that need to be addressed to prevent mental health problems from emerging.

This charitable donation will support the final two years of data collection in schools and will allow the full five-year Future Proofing Study to be completed. The donation will also be used to support the data linkage component enabling student-reported data to be linked with government datasets including educational and health outcomes.

Once complete, the study and its findings will enable us to predict, prevent, and reduce mental health problems in adolescents, setting young Australians up for a brighter future.

To read more about the Black Dog Institute and the Future Proofing Study click here.

Donation

$410,095.38

2023

To support the launch of our Women in Construction Movement we made a number of donations across our divisions to charities that support causes for women and are personal to our teams.

NSW are supporting Pink Elephants dedicated to acknowledging and supporting pregnancy loss along with Mudgin-Gal, run by Indigenous women for Indigenous women and children.

ACT are supporting Roundabout who provide essential babies items to families in need.

VIC are supporting Two Good Co, who support vulnerable women break the cycle of disadvantage.

QLD are supporting Suited To Success, who provide free styling, clothing, career and personal development support to women in need.

SA are supporting Kickstart For Kids, who support disadvantaged school kids and families by providing breakfasts and lunches each week.

Donation

$16,000

2023

At FDC, we believe in supporting causes that make a real difference to those in need. One of the ways we do this each year, is through our annual charity bike ride, Ride to Give.

In April 2023, Ride to Give raised $534,000 for our two remarkable charity partners, Backtrack Youth Works and The Tie Dye Project as well as supporting a number of local schools and community groups across regional NSW.

The Tie Dye Project was founded in 2017 by GIANTS Netball and Diamonds player Amy Parmenter, her sister Daisy, and 17-year-old Molly Croft who is fighting a rare form of brain cancer. They continue to raise money and awareness to help fund life-changing cancer research via the Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation.

Designed to help young people find their place and chase their dreams, grow and become independent, Backtrack Youth Works offers flexible, holistic and long-term support. The organisation supports every aspect of a young person’s life – from helping them connect with the community and supporting individual wellbeing to helping their personal development and providing learning and employment opportunities.

On top of these charities, Ride to Give also supported a number of local New England Community Groups including Walcha, Wallabadah and Bundarra Central Schools, the Lions Club of Barraba and Bingara, the Armidale Rotary Club and members of the Bingara CWA, Brothers in the Dale, the Friends of Touriandi Volunteers, Bingara Northwest Theatre Group, Gwydir Shire Council and Bundarra Men’s Shed.

To read more about our annual charity bike ride, Ride to Give click here. 

Donation

$534,000

2023

Around 10.8M globally are facing life with a prostate cancer diagnosis. Globally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men. And across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, with males accounting for 69% of all suicides.

In November 2022, FDC Queensland hosted a fundraising Golf Day in support of the Movember Foundation. Together with our valued subcontractors, $20,000 was donated to men’s health projects around the world. The funds will contribute to men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.

Donation

$20,000

2022

At FDC we are passionate about building remarkable partnerships with remarkable clients and pride ourselves on our long associations with many of our clients.

We are passionate about understanding their people, their story and how together we can create a stronger and brighter Australia. Ronald McDonald House Charities helps family life carry on while a child is undergoing treatment, and 2023 will mark 24 years of service providing accommodation for critically ill children and their families.

In November 2022, RMHC GWS was the beneficiary of FDC’s Melbourne Cup luncheon. Fundrasing efforts resulted in a staggering $433,629 for the charity. FDC is a family company, and for us, supporting the lives of struggling families is an incredibly meaningful pursuit. The gratitude we feel towards our clients, sub-contractors, staff and partners who helped us reach this goal, runs deep. The sum represents 2,718 nights of accommodation for critically ill kids and their families at ‘the house that love built’ in Westmead – the 60-room house FDC delivered in 2017.

To read more about our charitable partners and why supporting Ronald McDonald House is personal to us click here. 

Donation

$433,629

2022

It is estimated that more than 900 people were diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2022. The average age at diagnosis is 75 years old.

An organisation that sits close to FDC’s heart, The Tie Dye Project was founded in 2017 by GIANTS Netball and Diamonds player Amy Parmenter with her sister Daisy in honour of their late and loving mother Gilly, who lost her battle with Mesothelioma in 2013.

In 2018, Amy met the extraordinary Molly Croft, a then 12-year-old, netball-loving tie-dye enthusiast with Osteosarcoma. In 2019, Molly and Amy joined forces and have since continued raising money and awareness to help fund life-changing cancer research.

FDC’s donation will help to fund vital clinical cancer research to find a cure for sarcoma. The donation also helped to aid the Tie Die on Tour Project, in November 2022 in Dubbo. The Tie Dye on Tour project resulted in more than $100,000 raised for sarcoma research via the Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation.

Donation

$20,000

2022

School can be a challenging place for many kids. But for the one in every 70 Australians on the autism spectrum, it is often overwhelming. Many mainstream schools have limited understanding of autism and insufficient resources to support special needs – leaving a huge gap in education for kids on the autism spectrum. Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) has been working since 1966 to change this.

When FDC Project Director Damon Malek’s son Matias was diagnosed with autism in kindergarten, his mainstream school couldn’t accommodate his needs. Luckily for Matias, the school had an Aspect satellite class within its setting, helping completely change his experience with education.

Aspect is Australia’s largest national service provider for people on the autism spectrum. It operates nine independent schools across the country – as well as 113 satellite classes based in mainstream schools. Each year, it brings tailored education to over 1,000 children – making it one of the largest autism-specific school programs in the world.

In 2020, Aspect brought its autism-specific education to children in regional and rural areas of the country through its Distance Education program. Operating out of Aspect’s Hunter School, the program helps regional students from Year 3 to Year 6 learn from home by connecting them to specialist teachers via digital tools. FDC has donated $25,000 to the organisation to help even more kids on the spectrum access Aspect’s life-changing resources. The donation will allow the program to support Year 7 and 8 students – and provide the technology they need to participate.

To read more about Aspect and why its work is important to us click here.

Donation
$25,000

Year
2021

Research shows that health and mortality risks increase with the number of years someone is living with obesity. A quarter of the nation’s children over 2 years of age (more than 1.2 million) are now overweight or obese, and childhood obesity quadruples the risk of type 2 diabetes. Remote and regional communities are particularly susceptible.

At FDC, we are a family-based business. We understand the importance of supporting the next generation to live their best lives no matter where they live.

The Charles Perkins Centre at Sydney University is a hub for some of the brightest minds in Australia. The building houses nearly a thousand people, including philosophers, historians, playwrights, novelists, poets, biomedical scientists, engineers, mathematicians, people working in pediatrics and dietetics, allied health professionals and clinicians. Soon, another bright young mind will be joining the Charles Perkins Centre community, with the introduction of FDC’s Postgraduate Research Scholarship. The $150,000 three-year PhD scholarship, will be awarded to a student facing social or financial disadvantage and help further research into the childhood obesity epidemic.

To read more about the FDC Phd scholarship at Sydney University and why supporting research into childhood obesity  is personal to us click here.

Donation
$150,000

Year
2021

When a child is seriously ill, it can disrupt every aspect of family life – from school and work, to everyday moments like meal times, bath times, play times and quality time. This can have a devastating effect on the whole family. Ronald McDonald House Charities helps family life carry on while a child is undergoing treatment. Since 1981, they have helped thousands of Australian families through their most difficult times.

At FDC, we are a family-based business. We understand the importance of supporting families through their most difficult times.

Ronald McDonald House Australia aims to keep families together and close to the care their child needs. They have 18 houses across Australia that provide essential care and support for families, only steps away from hospital.

2021 will mark 40 years of service providing accommodation for critically ill children and their families. To celebrate and acknowledge such an achievement, FDC has donated $150,000 to Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney. The donation will provide over 900 nights’ accommodation to families with a seriously ill child who have had to travel for treatment.

To read more about our charitable partners and why supporting Ronald McDonald House is personal to us click here. 

Donation
$150,000

Year
2021

At FDC, we’re made up of a diverse group of talented people including our proudly Indigenous team members. We understand the importance of providing equality in opportunity and support to ensure every Australian can develop their full potential.

This NAIDOC week, we want to continue to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by further contributing to the education of our young Indigenous community.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation is dedicated to improving the literacy of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who live in remote parts of Australia. They aim to ensure each child is able to develop their full potential and make choices for their future education, health and general wellbeing. FDC’s $10,000 donation will buy 1,000 specially curated books for remote Indigenous communities that would otherwise not have access.

Redfern Jarjum College holds a strong mission is to educate urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are not participating or coping in mainstream primary schools as a result of their domestic circumstances. They aim to alleviate the social, emotional, behavioural and health disadvantages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children so that they can return to mainstream schooling, and to provide opportunities for them to pursue secondary education. FDC’s $5,000 donation will ensure the college can continue to deliver a range of health and educations services to students including paediatric, dental, speech pathology and psychological services that helps inform their teaching and learning strategies to help their kids be their best and most successful selves.

To read more about our Indigenous team members and why supporting The Indigenous Literacy Foundation and Redfern Jarjum College is personal to us click here.  

Donation
$15,000

Year
2020

47% of transitioned veterans have experienced mental health challenges within 12mths of discharge yet only a quarter receive care. They represent a high risk for homelessness and suicide.

At FDC, we’re made up of a diverse group of people, including those who have served in the armed forces. We understand the importance of supporting our returned service men and women.

Wounded Heroes is a national charity providing front line crisis support to Australian veterans who need it the most. Among other great services, they provide emergency food (vouchers) and accommodation for high risk current and returned service personnel and their families. FDC’s $15,000 donation will ensure this front line support can continue.

4 Aussie Heroes recognises the gap in the rehabilitation process of military and first responder personnel, past and present who are struggling and suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues. They offer an holistic, all-encompassing approach to the rehabilitation process that includes partners, children and carers. FDC’s $10,000 Pedals n’ Medals sponsorship will contribute to further develop “Camp Courage” Rural Rehabilitation Retreat.

To read more about people at FDC who have served and why supporting Wounded Heroes and 4 Aussie Heroes is personal to us click here. 

Donation
$25,000

Year
2020

More than 75 per cent of mental health issues develop before a person turns 25. And yet, many traditional services aren’t equipped to address the unique barriers that young people face to accessing mental health support.

Jess Cottle survived debilitating mental health issues in her teens, and continues to work on maintaining stability, with support, effective treatment and personal resilience, she’s now living a life to be proud of. Jess’s successful treatment as a young adult was directly linked to the outstanding research and programs run by the Brain and Mind Centre.

The Brain and Mind Centre is a global leader in research and treatment. In particular, conditions that affect child development, youth mental health and brain ageing. They aim to understand individual circumstances and to develop solutions that improve the quality of life for both patients and their loved ones.

FDC’s donation will fund participatory workshops with young people aged 12-24 years who have a lived experience of depression and anxiety to facilitate discussion on experiences of psychological, behavioural, and pharmacological interventions targeting sleep-wake behaviours, circadian rhythms exercise patterns  and a range of other personalised pathways associated with their depression/anxiety.

These discussions will ensure our research and guidelines informing treatment systems remain relevant, effective and have youth voice embedded within.

To read more about Jess’s inspiring story and why the Brain and Mind Centre is personal to us.

Donation
$15,000

Year
2020

1 in 5 of us will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year. In Australia that’s around 5 million people. And roughly 60% of these people won’t seek help.

When FDC Construction Manager, Ben Woods lost his brother Jase to suicide in 2015, he embarked on a journey that would not only celebrate his brother’s life, but help save others, too. Former Commando, Mick Bainbridge, brother of FDC Development Manager Tim Bainbridge, has shared the  mental injuries he sustained working in a war zone. Passionate advocates of The Black Dog Institute, Ben and Mick believe in the power of early intervention through research and education.

The Black Dog Institute is the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, their aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. They do this through integrating their research studies, education programs, digital tools and apps, clinical services, and public resources to discover new solutions, foster connections and create real-world change.

FDC’s donation will better equip students, teachers, parents and carers to manage their mental health and wellbeing by educating 2,400 more young people and their families.

To read more about Ben and Mick’s inspiring stories and why the Black Dog Institute is personal to us click here.

Donation
$15,000

Year
2020

Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre & Clinic

Each day in Australia, more than two people die from MND and a further 2 people are diagnosed, in 90% of cases MND strikes out of the blue with no known cause.

We felt the devastating impact of Motor Neuron Disease (MND) with one of our own, Nat Azzone who among other great things was a Site Manager at FDC.

Nat bravely battled MND for more than 3 years losing his battle and life in August, 2018.

Macquarie has assembled the largest research centre in Australia that is focused solely on finding the causes of MND and developing therapies to cure it. They have recruited some of the best MND researchers in Australia and from around the world. Their research begins in the MND clinic, where researchers partner with patients to better understand the causes and biological processes underlying the disease. In the laboratory, they look for clues and potential targets for developing therapies to slow and stop the disease in its tracks.

They all work together in the one facility, on the one topic and with one goal – that is, to stop MND.

The MND Research Centre and Clinic at Macquarie University Hospital holds a vision to live in a world without MND, to provide patients with a better and longer quality of life to spend with their loved ones, and to ultimately find a cure for this cruel disease.

FDC’s donation is directed towards patient care. It will assist in ensuring no patients are turned away and assists in care for patients suffering from MND who do not have the financial provisions that can often help to ease some of the effects.

Donation
$327,000

Year
2019