Inner Wheel Australia
National Project
The National Project for Inner Wheel Australia focuses on supporting Cord Blood Research.
This initiative, ongoing for over two decades, aims to fund vital medical research that explores the use of cord blood and placental tissue to treat various conditions and improve lives.
Inner Wheel Australia has awarded numerous grants to support innovative studies, contributing significantly to advancements in health and well-being.
The Story of our National Project
Since its inception in 2001, Inner Wheel Australia’s National Project, Cord Blood Research, has been a driving force in funding life-changing medical research. What began as an initiative to unite clubs across the country has grown into a nationally recognized effort. Just over $4 million has funded 67 research grants.
Cord blood, rich in stem cells, has the potential to treat severe diseases, including leukemia and genetic disorders. Inner Wheel Australia’s commitment to this cause has led to breakthrough studies in stem cell transplantation, improving survival rates and treatment options. Through fundraising initiatives like “Walk 2 for 10”, merchandise sales, and generous donations, members have continuously supported vital research efforts.
Today, Inner Wheel Australia continues to champion Cord Blood Research, proving that dedication, friendship, and generosity can change lives.
What is it all about?
Sean’s Story
There have been so many wonderful life saving success stories due to stem cell transplants, one of which is Sean’s.
Sean’s first year of life was tenuous to say the least, at one year old he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called ‘Severe Combined Immunodeficiency’ and given little chance of survival. It is thanks to stem cells derived from cord blood that he is here today.
Sean entered hospital on 19 March 2012, and underwent a week of aggressive chemotherapy to condition his body for the transplant. On March 27, at 11.26am, he was injected with 30mL of cord blood that saved his life. 4 nurses. 10 minutes. 30mL. That’s it!
Luckily, Sean’s enjoying a full and interesting life. Some of his favourite things to do is swim, ride his bike and play chess. There is no way of knowing the trials and tribulations my young man has been through just by looking at him, thanks to a syringe full of life saving cord blood stem cells.
How can you Support Us?
If you would like to Donate to our National Project you can do so using the ‘Donate’ button below, or find the details to send it to our treasurer.
Inner Wheel Australia Treasurer
Cord Blood Research
PO Box 317,
Smithfield,
Queensland 4878
Please make payable to Inner Wheel Australia Foundation Trust.
Join Our Fundraising
Clubs from all around Australia get involved in local walks, all with the same intention, to raise funds for our National Project – Cord Blood Research.
Join in the fun, help support our National Project and “Walk 2 for 10” any time in March to May 2026.
Download a sponsorship form and walk 2km for $10! Every dollar raised helps fund vital research grants.
2025 Grant Recipients
Dr Tegan White
The Ritchie Centre Hudson Institute of Medical Research. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University
Dr White’s work centres on fetal growth restriction (FGR) a condition that affects up to 1 in 10 pregnancies and can have a lifelong impact on children. Dr White is leading new research supported by this Inner Wheel Grant to investigate prematurity using advanced neuronal cell culture techniques. Using innovative preclinical models, she explores new therapies, including umbilical cord blood stem cells, to protect and repair the developing brain.
Professor Richard D’Andrea et al,
University of South Australia
The project seeks to improve the success of adoptive immunotherapy for childhood Acute
Myeloid Leukaemia. A successful outcome of this project would extend the use of Umbilical Cord Blood for immunotherapy and provide safer treatment options for childhood cancers.
Dr Ying Wong,
University of Adelaide
Children of Type 1 diabetics (T1D) are at risk of developing diabetes. This project aims to study the early changes in the function of immune cells at birth and early infancy in the blood of at-risk children that could lead to diabetes. This would facilitate treatment or reversal of diabetes. Dr Wong’s goal is to help improve early detection and, ultimately, prevention for children and families affected by Type 1 Diabetes. This study is a continuation of a study funded by the Inner Wheel Trust in previous years.
Dr Ying Wong presenting a summary of her project at the Gala Dinner for the Inner Wheel Australia Conference in Corowa, October 2025.
Miller Group Video
Read the Project Newsletter
“Read the Red”
Updates on Our National Project
Read The Red is Inner Wheel Australia’s dedicated newsletter, sharing the latest updates on our Cord Blood Research National Project. Stay informed about our progress, fundraising efforts, and the impact we’re making together!
Cord Blood Reseach Grants
Over the years, Inner Wheel Australia has been a dedicated supporter of Cord Blood Research, presenting numerous grants to fund groundbreaking projects across the country.
Since the initiative began, the organization has awarded grants to researchers and institutions working on innovative treatments using cord blood and placental tissue. These grants have enabled advancements in various medical fields, including regenerative medicine, cancer therapy, and immune system disorders.
President Clare’s new initiative Container Deposit Scheme
