CMRI Wagga Wagga Committee

The CMRI Wagga Wagga Committee began in 1983 with a few interested women who wanted to band together and support this relatively new, independent research organisation (CMRI) focusing on gathering information about and finding cures for childhood diseases and congenital abnormalities.

Many remarkable women from across the Riverina have been involved with the Committee since its inception. The success of its fundraising began with the idea in 1987 to host a “Garden Fair”. Inaugural President at the time, Libby Lamont, said “We had no funds and some expenses for hosting the Fair so I purchased a bike which we raffled. The money from this is how we got on our feet. 34 years on it’s been a lot of fun, hard work and extremely worthwhile”.

Many people wonder how the money raised benefits the local and Riverina community, it can be assured that it touches the lives of every family who lives here.

In the 1960’s CMRI formed the first research unit for newborn babies, dramatically improving survival rates for premature babies. They then helped develop the first heart and lung machines used on children, began research into heart disease and blood disorders in kids, and over the years have conducted intensive studies into childhood diseases, cystic fibrosis, microsurgery and organ donation, gene therapy, epilepsy, treatments for kidney disease and now the diagnosis, understanding and treatment of cancers.

On a day-to-day level, CMRI is behind the development of many of the Childhood immunisation programmes which has meant that diseases such as diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and now even chicken pox, are almost non-existent in Australia.

In its next significant push to save lives, CMRI has just become a very special cancer research “factory”. At the beginning of 2016 it won a once in 30 year $10 million grant to develop and build a research laboratory that will take just a few days to analyse, pinpoint and recommend the best individual cancer treatment for anyone, both children and adults, who are diagnosed with the disease.

In the past it could take weeks for such a diagnosis to be made.

So sitting here in Wagga, 500km from all this amazing scientific research going on in Sydney individuals may wonder how they can be a part of this phenomenal work or what difference they can make. Well that’s just it, everyone CAN make a difference.

By supporting the CMRI Christmas Fair Wagga Wagga and doing a little early Christmas shopping, 100% of gate takings, lunches and morning teas, raffle ticket sales and 10% of all stallholder takings are all sent to CMRI as a donation.

The CMRI Wagga Wagga Committee has made a HUGE difference. We have sent over $1.75 million to CMRI over the past 33 years.

Two years ago the scientists at CMRI named one of its four research laboratories “The Wagga Lab” in thanks for all that we have raised and donated.

The CMRI Wagga Wagga Committee raises and sends between $55-$62,000 to the Institute each year. 100% of this money goes toward research and solving the health problems of Aussie kids.

The CMRI Christmas Fair Wagga Wagga is now a two day event in its 36th year. The 2023 event, being held at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 October, will be bursting with around 100 stalls, of which around one third have never been seen in Wagga before.

Stalls feature men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, amazing antique and on-trend costume jewellery, leather goods, beautiful handmade homewares and gift ideas, shoes, hats, toys and plants. It’s also the perfect opportunity to buy Christmas puddings and homemade sauces, relishes and produce. The stalls committee spends many months sourcing new and interesting stalls to entice local shoppers.

The Fair opens at 10am on Friday and runs until 5pm and then opens again at 10am Saturday and finishes at 4pm. Entry is $5 per adult and there is plenty on offer with amazing homemade morning teas, lunches, snacks and BBQ. It is a lovely event to meet up with friends and family and to get in early to find unique and interesting Christmas and birthday gifts.