Formed in 2012, the Charitable Foundation is dedicated to having a positive impact on the lives of people in our industry.

The Foundation relies solely on the donations and generosity of our members and sponsors. There are a range of initiatives and opportunities for you and your organisation to support the Foundation and to make a direct impact on the health and well-being of members and their families.

Listed below is an overview of areas you can show your support:

• Run an event with the Foundation as the beneficiary
• Choose the Foundation as your charity of choice
• Cause related marketing
• Corporate and business or individual donations
• Workplace giving
• Sponsorship or donated goods and services
• Bequests

Beyond Blue

The HIA Charitable Foundation (HIACF) is a major partner of Beyond Blue. Our partnership aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of those working in the residential construction industry, as well as to prevent suicide, and reduce stigma and discrimination.  

Beyond Blue is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working to reduce the impact of mental health in Australia.

We're incredibly grateful for the HIA Charitable Foundations ongoing support; it means that we can answer every single call from every single person that reaches out to the Beyond Blue support service. Together we are making a difference.

Georgie Harman, CEO, Beyond Blue.

One in four people working within the residential construction industry is affected by anxiety, depression or substance abuse. The suicide rate is double that of other industries, something we urgently need to address.

The Foundation recently funded a three-year plan for a National Suicide Prevention Research and Campaign with Beyond Blue. We used the research to formulate an education program for suicide prevention in the building and construction industry – our Mental Health Program.

The Mental Health Program is designed to give people the skills and confidence to support those around them, and making anxiety, depression and suicide part of everyday conversations. As well as tackling stigma, prejudice and discrimination, we help our industry to break down the barriers that prevent people from speaking up and reaching out.

Our members have access to a range of tools, resources and services designed to help them create mentally healthy environments and recognise, react and support in circumstances when another person is at risk of suicide.

Ultimately, the goal of the HIA Charitable Foundation is to make a significant impact on the suicide rate within our industry.

Our members have got behind this initiative, and together we have donated $765,000 to Beyond Blue.

NCARD

The National Centre for Asbestos Related diseases (NCARD) was established as a multidisciplinary research centre to minimise the impact of asbestos related diseases on the Australian and international community.

Asbestos-related diseases have already taken a significant toll on members of the building industry and the wider community. With the latent nature of mesothelioma, it can be expected that this is a problem that will be with us for some time into the future.

Graham Wolfe, Managing Director, HIA

Together, HIA and NCARD positively impact all who have been exposed to asbestos through research that will lead to earlier and enhanced detection, improved treatments and a cure for asbestos-related diseases.

HIA funded a new and innovative project to conduct genomic research into mesothelioma. The preliminary data that was generated from this study led to NCARD receiving the prestigious National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Project Grant to continue and extend this research.

Our members have helped us raise $375,000 for NCARD and their research.

The Victorian Homeless Fund

The VHF assists the homeless in several areas, including building and renovating houses. Partnerships are formed between the VHF, Land Providers, Sponsors, the HIA in Victoria and Charitable Organisations working in the housing sector. As a result, houses are built or renovated, or other activities are carried out to relieve homelessness.  

Together, our mission is to relieve and prevent homelessness in Victoria.

The VHF was founded in 1987, the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless, and is an independent charitable organisation; the VHF’s charter is to work solely in the area of homelessness. A volunteer committee of dedicated people manages the organisation. The HIA generously provides administrative support, and the HIA Foundation assists by sourcing materials and supplies from supporters in the industry. 

The HIA Charitable Foundation also donated funds to assist in the completion of a house for the homeless. 

'Reece' House was officially opened on the 22 November 2015 by the Treasurer Hon Kim Wells. With the support from major sponsors Reece and Portland House Foundation, and with the ongoing support of Pitcher Partners, the Office of Housing and the HIA Foundation. The Victorian State Government kindly donated the land. HIA builder Dennis Family Homes built the house, with many of the materials and labour donated by HIA members.

This home, the latest housing project of the Victorian Homeless Fund, was officially handed over to the Women's Property Initiative (WPI).

On behalf of HIA and VHF, we would like to thank everyone for their contribution in making this project a success.