Firefly Children's Foundation

Firefly Children's Foundation The Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation is dedicated to enriching children's lives through research.

Firefly Children’s Foundation is a South Australian foundation funding pioneering research and programs that help children grow, glow and thrive, across health, education and welfare, from preconception to beyond early childhood. Established in 1976 with proceeds from community giving, our Foundation today is at the forefront of supporting innovative research into children’s health, education and

welfare. Our fundraising helps advance the work of South Australia’s world-class research and service organisations as they strive to initiate new concepts, build knowledge, target breakthroughs and accomplish outcomes to improve a child’s quality of life. We’re also passionate about fostering research talent and career opportunities in South Australia. That’s why our grant program is dedicated to state-led research, including career research where subsidy is rare. The Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation has an established and proud association with Channel 7 Adelaide and some of the nation’s leading research and service organisations - Flinders University, Novita Children’s Services, The University of Adelaide, University of South Australia and the Women’s and Children’s Health Network - that together forms its Board and independent Research Committee.

What if we could step in before patterns take hold?Dr Ryan Balzan is co‑designing a digital tool to help young people bu...
16/06/2026

What if we could step in before patterns take hold?

Dr Ryan Balzan is co‑designing a digital tool to help young people build healthier thinking skills - aiming to reduce eating disorder risk before adolescence.

By supporting earlier, preventative approaches, Firefly is helping shift the focus from treatment to resilience, giving young South Australians a stronger foundation for the future📱

🔗 Read the full story on our website: https://firefly.org.au/outcomes/before-it-begins-the-app-tackling-eating-disorder-risk-early/

Help fund childhood research. Donate by June 30 via our website.

16/06/2026

A day on set - through Evie’s eyes 🎥✨

During filming of our new TV ad, we handed five‑year‑old Evie a mini camera on set and wow, has she got a future ahead of her!

Beyond the professional camera equipment and set ups, she captured something far more powerful - moments of curiosity, shared interactions and lots of laughs as a result of her 'creative direction’.

At Firefly Children’s Foundation, we choose to see the world through the eyes of the next generation, strategically investing in breakthrough research and programs across health, education and welfare to protect that sense of wonder🌟

Thanks Evie!

Give kids a healthier future. Donate by June 30: https://awhtbsyr.donorsupport.co/-/XDWWSTEB

11/06/2026

Meet Clinical Psychologist Ryan Balzan - a South Australian pioneer turning early flickers of discovery into lasting change.

Ryan’s work is guided by a simple but powerful belief: act early. His research focuses on identifying risk sooner and shaping prevention programs that support children before challenges take hold.

This is what investing early looks like. Protecting wellbeing. Strengthening futures. Giving children a chance to thrive.

When we back early discovery, we help build stronger outcomes for South Australian children - not just today, but for the years ahead.

This tax time, your support helps keep vital work like Ryan’s moving forward.

Give before June 30 and you help researchers like Ryan reach children sooner. Every donation is tax-deductible. Donate: https://awhtbsyr.donorsupport.co/-/XDWWSTEB

10/06/2026

“Why do researchers ask so many questions?” 🤔✨

We asked our littlest experts and their answers were spot on!

“Because they’re curious people.”

They’re right! Progress begins with curiosity, with the courage to ask why, what if and what’s next.

Firefly Children’s Foundation backs South Australian researchers who never stop questioning and who turn those questions into new knowledge that strengthens children’s health, education and welfare.

We fuel the first flickers of discovery, helping bold ideas grow. Because when curiosity leads, brighter futures follow 🌟

Give kids a healthier future. Donate by June 30: https://awhtbsyr.donorsupport.co/-/XDWWSTEB

Sometimes the most powerful discoveries start outdoors.Dr Kylie Dankiw is exploring how nature‑based play supports child...
09/06/2026

Sometimes the most powerful discoveries start outdoors.

Dr Kylie Dankiw is exploring how nature‑based play supports children’s physical, social and emotional development - and turning that knowledge into practical tools for families and educators.

From bush kinder to messy play, this Firefly funded work helps ensure every child can grow, glow and thrive through connection with nature 🌿

🔗 Read Kylie’s story on our website: https://firefly.org.au/outcomes/wild-at-heart-the-research-getting-kids-back-to-nature/

Help fund childhood research. Donate by June 30 via our website.

04/06/2026

This is how a spark becomes real‑world change.

At Firefly Children’s Foundation, funding is never passive.
It’s deliberate, strategic and designed to move ideas forward.

We invest in South Australian researchers at the earliest stages of discovery, backing the questions that shape children’s futures across health, education and welfare. From pre‑conception, through birth and beyond, our funding helps turn early flickers of discovery into outcomes that can be felt where it matters most, in homes, hospitals and classrooms.

Every investment is a signal of belief. Belief in people, in ideas and in a future where every child has the chance to grow, glow and thrive.

Behind the news desk is a deep belief in giving back.For decades, Rosanna Mangiarelli has been a trusted voice in South ...
02/06/2026

Behind the news desk is a deep belief in giving back.

For decades, Rosanna Mangiarelli has been a trusted voice in South Australian homes as a 7NEWS reporter and presenter. Beyond the camera, she’s also a long‑time ambassador, driven by family, gratitude and a commitment to supporting children today and into the future. Thank you for all that you do for the Foundation Rosanna!

🔗 Read Rosanna’s story on our website - https://firefly.org.au/meet-the-heart-behind-the-news/

Image credits to SA LIFE - Naomi Jellicoe

02/06/2026

A night of light, legacy and what’s ahead✨

The energy at our official launch was truly something special as we marked a major milestone, stepping into our new chapter as Firefly Children’s Foundation.

Hear from our community of partners, advocates and supporters as they reflect on what this new era means.

28/05/2026

Inside the science shaping children’s futures 🧠✨

Meet Dr Todd Norton, one of the researchers we’re proud to support.

Todd’s work explores how the bacteria in a child’s gut can shape how their immune system responds. It’s complex science, with a simple aim: understanding the early systems that help children stay well as they grow.

When we back early flickers of discovery, we help create better outcomes for kids, now and into the future.


SAHMRI

27/05/2026

We’re grateful for partners who help our work travel further - quite literally.

A big thank you to Robert Russo and the team at Jarvis Toyota for lending us the stunning Hybrid Toyota RAV4, now proudly carrying Firefly across the streets of Adelaide.

Keep an eye out for us, with this beautiful branding, we’re hard to miss. And if you do spot us, give us a wave 👋✨

Address

341 Port Road
Adelaide, SA
5007

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61882438202

Website

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