Who we are
The Specialist Medical Resources Foundation (SMRF) is a not-for-profit organisation committed to supporting individuals and families across the Riverina by providing critical medical resources. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to bridge the gap for those facing medical challenges by offering essential equipment, specialist medical aids, and financial relief that aren’t covered by government funding.
We believe that healthcare access should not depend on location or financial status. Unfortunately, living in regional NSW often means limited access to specialist medical treatment, requiring families to travel long distances for emergency care. SMRF exists to reduce these barriers, ensuring that those in need receive the support, treatment, and resources essential for their recovery and well-being.
Beyond funding, SMRF is a community-driven initiative—our work is made possible through the generosity of volunteers, donors, and local supporters who believe in helping their neighbours through tough times. Every contribution, no matter the size, has a direct impact on someone’s life.
How we help
Medical emergencies can be unexpected, overwhelming, and financially draining. SMRF provides essential support to families and individuals facing urgent healthcare challenges by funding life-changing medical resources. Here’s how we make a difference:
Emergency Medical Equipment – Providing critical, non-government funded medical devices to ensure timely care.
Medical Equipment Upgrades – Supporting hospitals and healthcare providers with essential upgrades for better treatment outcomes.
Specialist Medical Machinery – Funding advanced medical tools that enhance diagnosis and patient care.
In-Home Recovery Support – Helping patients return home with specialist medical equipment, ensuring a safe and smooth recovery.
Financial Assistance – Easing the burden on families facing unexpected medical expenses, giving them space to focus on healing.
Living in regional NSW brings unique healthcare challenges, often requiring patients to travel long distances for treatment. These situations create emotional and financial strain for families caring for loved ones. That’s where SMRF steps in—to ensure critical medical needs are met without added stress or financial hardship.
Who we help
SMRF supports a wide range of individuals and healthcare providers, ensuring no one faces a medical crisis alone. We assist:
Patients recovering from severe illness or injury by providing essential medical equipment for at-home care.
Families facing significant financial strain due to costly medical treatments, hospital stays, and rehabilitation expenses.
Doctors, nurses, and hospitals by helping fund upgraded emergency medical equipment, improving healthcare access across the region.
The wider Riverina community, ensuring critical medical resources are available when and where they are needed most.
Medical emergencies don’t wait, and neither do we. SMRF is committed to ensuring that every person facing medical hardship gets the support they deserve.
If you’re unsure whether SMRF can assist in your situation, we encourage you to reach out to our team—we’re here to listen, guide, and help in whatever way we can.
Our history
SMRF was founded in 2013 by a dedicated group of community leaders: Tony Burns, Angela Boulton, Jolene Green, Sophie McKellar, Josh McKellar, Jade Boulton, and Donna McPherson. Their goal was simple but profound—to create a charity that provides life-changing medical equipment and financial assistance to those in need across the Riverina.
Since its inception, SMRF has worked tirelessly to fill the gaps in healthcare access, ensuring that residents receive essential resources that improve their quality of life. Over the years, we’ve seen the real and lasting impact of our efforts—from children receiving necessary medical aids to families finding relief from unexpected medical expenses.
Our work is powered by the generosity of our community. Every donation, every fundraiser, and every volunteer effort contributes to changing lives. With continued support, SMRF will keep providing hope, assistance, and vital medical resources for years to come.
Angela “Ange” Burns - Manager
Angela Boulton has been a driving force behind SMRF for over 12 years, taking on the role of manager and working tirelessly to support those in need. Her commitment to the organisation stems from her involvement with Telstra Child Flight, where she served as the NSW Support Group Coordinator. When Child Flight ended, Ange and her team sought a new way to continue making a meaningful difference in the community, leading to the establishment and growth of SMRF. With a background in event management, she utilises her skills to run fundraising initiatives, leveraging the performing arts as a tool for engagement and impact.
Her passion for helping others is fuelled by the countless families she has worked with over the years, witnessing firsthand how SMRF has provided life-changing support. Ange’s vision is to expand the organisation to reach even more people, ensuring SMRF continues to serve the community in greater capacities. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and has a surprising past as a state champion dancer, proving that her talent for coordination extends beyond the events she manages.
