The nebulisers and other airway clearance devices that are given to you at your CF Clinic appointments have been purchased by CFT.   They are on loan to you, free of charge, provided you always remain a financial member.  When you are provided with your device you will receive an information sheet along with it. This will outline your responsibilities about keeping it in good order.  CFT can spend up to $40,000 pa on this equipment so it is a major investment.  We ask that you do everything you can to ensure it is well looked after and in good working order.  

If you have any problems with your airway clearance device please always contact your CF Clinic directly.   The health professionals are best placed to give you any advice on its use.  You should also contact them if you believe you need a new device or replacement part.  

We understand that living with CF can be emotionally draining -  for both the person who has it, and their loved ones.  Talking to someone about it can help you work through the many feelings you may be experiencing.  Our Members are able to access private and confidential counselling from an experienced and qualified psychologist of their own choice at no cost.   This service is offered to anyone with CF and their immediate family.  For more information  please click here.  

To apply please fill out the application form here, follow the steps outlined in it and email it back to us. 

Regular exercise is excellent for not only general health, but can assist with airway clearance, increasing bone density and building muscle tone in people living with CF.   CFT understands that the annual cost of a gym membership can put this option out of reach for many people with CF due to the many costs they have associated with the condition. 

Members can apply for a subsidy of $750 per year towards their personal gym membership.  Before you make an application, please check your eligibility by reading the policy here.  To make an application please click here. 

We recognise that not everyone has access to a gym near to their home, or may not feel comfortable in a gym environment. But we also know that buying equipment to maintain your fitness can be expensive.  Under this policy we provide a contribution towards the cost of something of your choice - whether it be traditional gym equipment to use at home such as a treadmill or exercise bike, an outdoor bike or even a trampoline.  CFT will provide up to 50% of a piece of equipment of your choice - up to $750 per eligible member.    For a copy of the policy please click here.  For the application form please click here. 

CFT offers a range of different financial assistance to meet various needs and these are listed below.  Eligibility varies between policies so please read each policy before applying. 

Special Financial Assistance:

For cases of severe hardship or special circumstances (eg remote location or surgery interstate).
Download the policy here.   To make an application please click here.
 

Little Day Out:

Little Day Out is a program for children and young adults aged up to 21 (or 25 years if still living at home).  Designed to provide a fun family activity, Little Day Out offers vouchers up to the value of $150pa for the eligible member to share with their loved ones, and chosen by them.    Only limited by your imagination, popular choices in the past have been restaurant, accommodation or travel vouchers, movie tickets, theme park tickets, or stage shows.  Eligible members can apply for one Little Day Out per year.   Please remember that CFT operates on a calender financial year - so your entitlements will "reset" on 1 January each year. 

The Little Day Out was established thanks to the fundraising efforts of the staff of Myer Hobart, with funds matched by the Myer Community Fund.  It has proven popular with members and was recently replicated by Cystic Fibrosis South Australia for their members.  

Parent Events: 

CFT understands that living with CF, or having a family member who has the condition, can be isolating.  Unfortunately due to the risks associated with cross infection we are unable to have get togethers of members who live with CF.   From time to time CFT runs parent events to break down some of the isolation that parents of children with CF can feel. The activities could include a Mum's lunch or high tea or a Dad's Golf Day. The events will be advertised to members in the area in which they are held.  If you haven't been invited to one, or  have an idea for one, please email us here. 

CFT Mini Conference:

CFT is currently investigating the use of technology such as webinars to run information sessions for members with CF and their families.  This may replace the Mini Conference that was due to be held in 2019 in Hobart.  Holding information sessions like this will enable the issues of cross infection of people with CF to be overcome - i.e. multiple people with CF will be able to be involved without the worry of cross infection with new bacteria.  More information will be provided to members several months ahead of the planned sessions.  

National Conference Attendance:

Assistance is provided for members to attend the Australasian CF Conference which is held every two years.  The amount varies according to the location of the event.   The next conference will be held in Perth, Western Australia in August 2019. Members will be notified via CFT e-News at least four months prior to the event to enable bookings to be made.

Information about CF:

CFT has a range of printed fact sheets and resource packs about different topics that may be of use to you or someone you know.  Topics currently include CF Smart (a resource for early childhood educators and schools), CF Cooking (recipes and nutritional information) and CF Fit (personal training and fitness information).   We can also supply a range of posters, brochure and bookmarks about the importance of handwashing.    Please contact the CFT office for copies of any of these to be sent to you.  Many of them can also be accessed on online here 

Aaron Mackrill Memorial Scholarship 

Named after CFT's former President, these scholarships are offered to any member with CF wishing to undertake post compulsory education or training.   This can take place at a University, TAFE college or other nationally recognised Registered Training Organisation.  

Aaron Mackrill was President of CFT and the 2007 Tasmanian Young Achiever of the Year.  Just prior to his death in April 2010 Aaron asked for a scholarship program to be established in his name, in lieu of flowers.  Along with donations following his passing, the Scholarship program became a reality with a $5,000 grant from the MyState Foundation.   

Scholarships are valued at up to $1500 for full time study and are paid in annual instalments to recipients. 

Download an information pack here   To apply please download the application form here. 

If you have a question and need some information, but aren't sure where to go to get help, we are always happy to chat to you individually.  A quick phone call to our Executive Officer can offer be useful in accessing resources or programs that you weren't sure about.  Alternatively, send us an email here. 

CFT can also provide advice and advocacy for members with external organisations when a member is not able to achieve their desired outcome.