
CDH Australia
Australia's only charity supporting families facing Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia by providing resources, support groups, mental health assistance, care packages, and financial aid, ensuring no family copes with CDH in isolation.

ABN: 60131315145
Founded on ,
registered as a charity on the
ACNC Charity Register
since .
How This Charity Supports the Community
CDH Australia is the nation’s sole charity dedicated to supporting families affected by Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), a serious birth condition where a hole in the diaphragm allows abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity, impacting lung development. Established in 1999 by Danielle Kessner after her personal experience with CDH, the organisation aims to ensure that no family faces CDH alone. It has grown into a strong, connected community of families, survivors, bereaved parents, and medical professionals across Australia.
Mission and Vision
The core mission of CDH Australia is to provide support, information, and connection to families navigating the challenges of CDH. The organisation envisions a future where every family affected by CDH has access to the resources and community they need to face the condition with strength and hope.
Main Objectives
- Offer emotional and practical support to families from diagnosis through treatment and beyond
- Raise awareness and understanding of CDH within the broader community and medical field
- Facilitate connections between families, survivors, and healthcare professionals
- Advocate for research and improved care for those affected by CDH
- Provide financial assistance to alleviate burdens associated with CDH
Benefiting Groups
- Families with a child diagnosed with CDH, including expectant parents
- Children and adults living with CDH
- Bereaved families who have lost a child to CDH
- Medical professionals seeking to improve CDH care
Services and Activities
- Support Groups: Private online Facebook groups for peer connection and sharing experiences
- Resource Library: Fact sheets and educational materials to help families understand CDH
- Mental Health and Wellbeing: Access to resources and referrals to support emotional health
- Care Packages: Comfort packages for newly diagnosed families and bereaved parents
- Financial Support: Assistance to help with essential household expenses related to CDH
- Community Engagement: Fundraising events, volunteering opportunities, and awareness campaigns
Communities and Groups They Support
Explore the Work of CDH Australia Through Images and Stories
Discover how CDH Australia creates safer communities through their work. Visit their social media channels to follow their daily efforts, updates, and inspiring stories making a real impact.
All photos and videos are © CDH Australia and have been sourced from their official website.
What is CDH? Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Explained
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a hole in the diaphragm babies are born with, causing bowel to move into the chest. The cause is unknown and not parents’ fault. In Australia, 75-80% of babies survive. It requires specialised intensive care, surgery and long-term follow-up, with excellent outcomes expected for most survivors.
© CDH Australia. View video in a new window.
Support CDH Australia Through Donations
Support the charity’s vital work by making a donation. Every contribution helps them continue their mission.
Their official Australian Business Number (ABN) is 60131315145 for your reference.
See FAQs about donating to CDH Australia:
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Is my donation to CDH Australia tax-deductible?
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How can I contact CDH Australia for more information?

Dedicated Volunteers Supporting Families in Need
CDH Australia is guided by a dedicated team of passionate volunteers who play a crucial role in the operation of this national charity. These volunteers are the backbone of the organisation, ensuring it continues to support families facing CDH. Their contributions are invaluable, as the charity relies heavily on their efforts to keep functioning smoothly.
Although there are no specific volunteer requirements or positions available at present, those who are interested in getting involved should keep an eye on this web page for future opportunities. Potential volunteers with a strong commitment to helping families are encouraged to express their interest when opportunities arise.
Volunteer Requirements - Working with Children
As this charity works with children under 18 years of age, the organisation requires all volunteers to obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) before commencing any volunteer activities.
This is a mandatory requirement to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children in their care.
Visit CDH Australia’s official website to explore volunteering opportunities and how you can get involved.
Contact CDH Australia and Follow Their Work
Follow this charity on their social media channels. Stay updated with the latest news, events, and inspiring stories to see how they make a difference every day.
This charity intentionally withholds its physical address. The only available contact details are as follows:
Source of information and last update date:
The information on this profile has been sourced from the ACNC Registered Charities dataset and the organisation’s own website.
The last review was completed on
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