Changing Faces, Changing Lives
About Us
who we are
Changing Faces Changing Lives
Craniofacial Australia is a not-for-profit charity that walks alongside children, adults and families living with the wide range of cleft and craniofacial conditions. We help open doors to care, information and treatment, drive breakthroughs by funding transformative research and deliver training programs to equip medical and clinical professionals.
At the heart of everything we do is the belief that every person, no matter what they look like, deserves the chance to live with dignity, confidence and hope.
our history
Helping people face the world for over 40 years
We have been standing in solidarity with the craniofacial community since 1984 and are committed to working towards a better future for people living with congenital or acquired craniofacial conditions. We have proudly helped countless craniofacial families to overcome heartbreaking physical and psychological obstacles.
Our Chairman and Founder Prof. David David AC, dedicated his life to changing the faces of tens of thousands of people living with visible differences.
Today, we continue this legacy.
6 Principles of Craniofacial Health Care Delivery
Our values align with the 6 Principles of Craniofacial Health Care Delivery established over 40 years ago by our Chairman and Founder Prof. David David AC.
- Care is provided by multi-disciplinary teams that place the patient at the centre of decision-making.
- Best practice approaches are employed in all aspects of care.
- Patients are supported through their entire lifetime.
- Financial and organisational support is maintained for patients throughout their treatment.
- Health professionals supporting patients are highly skilled and educated in the latest techniques, using the most advanced technology.
- The provision of care applies the latest research that explores craniofacial causes, treatment, management and outcomes.
leading with heart & hope
Founding:
Craniofacial Australia was founded in 1984 by Professor David David AC, a pioneer in craniofacial treatment.
The Australian Craniofacial Unit (ACFU):
Professor David co-founded the ACFU in 1975 at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide, which serves as the foundation for the organisation’s work.
Milestone Celebration:
Craniofacial Australia celebrated its 40th anniversary in October 2024 with a Gala Lunch to recognise its significant impact on the craniofacial community.
Ongoing Mission:
Craniofacial Australia continues to focus on supporting patients and families, promoting and funding research for improved outcomes, and developing training for healthcare professionals worldwide.
annual impact reports
Our Annual Impact Reports give the community a deeper understanding of the impact that we have collectively made. Together, we make a meaningful difference for people living with craniofacial conditions.
Strategic Plan 2026 - 2028
You can download and read our three-year Strategic Plan for 2026 – 2028 below.
Craniofacial Australia is the custodian of the “Australian Craniofacial Unit” name and the Centre of Excellence benchmark that the name represents. Craniofacial Australia has allowed its use by the surgical unit at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital providing Cranio and Maxillo-Facial surgery since 2001.