What We Do

Supporting children and families living with childhood cancer.

Challenge is a not-for-profit organisation that supports children and families living with cancer, 365 days a year.  Our support is free and immediate, helping to lighten the cancer journey by addressing the practical, social, and emotional needs of all our members.

Camps, hospital support and activity days, playgroup sessions, movie days, music therapy and massage therapy.

Lunches and weekends away, home help, holiday accommodation, transportation and financial assistance, activities

Academic and creative scholarships for primary, secondary and tertiary students

Support and advice, social groups and retreats

Following a child’s diagnosis, life changes significantly. Families begin a journey of uncharted territory, where they learn to adapt to a ‘new normal’ of life with cancer. Adjusting to these changes is difficult and takes its toll on every member of the family – patient, parent, and sibling(s).

This is where Challenge steps in. Sometimes you do not know what it is you need until someone shows you.

Challenge aims to manage the impact of a cancer diagnosis by addressing the emotional, social, and practical needs of your family. Whether it is help at home or a weekend away, we tailor our services to meet the requirements of each individual within the family unit. 


Become a Member

Membership is free and available to families with a child aged 18 years old or under and who has been diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder. Siblings are also encouraged to sign up.

Become a Member

Challenge was established as an auspice program of the Australian Red Cross in 1983, providing an annual camping experience for children and young people living with cancer.

By 1990, Challenge had expanded from a valuable camping program to become the first organisation in Victoria to provide a range of ongoing support and recreational activities for families living with cancer.

In 1995, Challenge became independent from the Red Cross to become a stand-alone organisation. Challenge has continued to grow and develop to meet the changing needs of its members, now delivering a full range of support services 365 days a year.

In 2011, the organisation undertook its biggest project to date, opening the Challenge Family Centre. The Centre is a project driven by the voice of our families and is the perfect extension to complement the existing support offered by the organisation. The Centre provides a non-threatening space where families can come together and feel completely supported in their journey from the time of diagnosis, throughout the treatment period and beyond. The Centre is a one-stop shop for the non-medical needs of our members where they can access many different programs and services.