AHF History

Founding meeting of the Australian Himalayan Foundation

On December 20, 2001, at the Bundanoon Hotel in NSW, a historic gathering took place to establish the Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF). Inspired by Peter Hillary’s conversation with his father, we were honoured to have the support of Sir Edmund Hillary, who encouraged the formation of AHF to carry forward the work and legacy of his Himalayan Trust. At this inaugural meeting, Founding Directors Simon Balderstone AM, Garry Weare, Christine Gee, Peter Hillary, Lincoln Hall OAM, Michael Dillon AM, and Mark O’Toole underline their commitment to help support the people of the Himalaya achieve their goals.

Registration with ASIC

On February 8, 2002, the Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF) was officially registered as Australian Himalayan Foundation Ltd (a public company) with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

First major project

Inspired by her visit to Nepal, 18-year-old Johanna Fluhrer from Manly, NSW set out to raise funds to rebuild a collapsed school she has seen in the remote village of Kakani. With her dedicated efforts, Johanna raised $50,000 to kickstart the Hillside Project. AHF contributed additional funds to complete the school’s restoration and establish sustainable maintenance and operations, along with providing strategic guidance and practical on-ground support. Recognising her dedication, AHF appointed Johanna as its first International Youth Ambassador.

AHF’s first major fundraiser: celebrating the 50th anniversary of Everest’s first ascent

On May 29, 2003, AHF hosted its inaugural major event, “Night Out on Everest,” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Held at the Everest Theatre in Sydney’s Seymour Centre, the event featured public announcements about AHF’s mission and early projects, a live cross to Peter Hillary participating in the official celebrations in the UK, and special readings by George Hillary (Sir Edmund’s grandson) and Pasang Tenzing (Tenzing Norgay’s great-grandson) from the 1953 expedition diaries and writings of their legendary forebears.

Launch of the Teacher Training & Quality Education Program in Upper Solukhumbu (Nepal)

Following in Sir Edmund Hillary’s footsteps, AHF launched its flagship Teacher Training and Quality Education (TTQE) program in the Everest region of Nepal. Partnering with the Nepalese NGO REED Nepal, the program has been recognised by the Nepal Government as a model of quality education.

Launch of Snow Leopard Conservation Program with Snow Leopard Conservancy (India)

A meeting with Dr. Rodney Jackson, the world’s foremost snow leopard expert, presented AHF with an extraordinary opportunity to help protect this iconic and elusive Himalayan predator. In collaboration with the Snow Leopard Conservancy in Ladakh, AHF initiated a project to construct leopard-proof corrals, safeguarding communities’ valuable livestock—sheep, goats, and cattle—while also protecting the snow leopards. This approach supports both local livelihoods and the survival of the leopards.

Expansion of the Teacher Training & Quality Education Program to Lower Solukhumbu, Nepal

AHF extended its Teacher Training and Quality Education (TTQE) program to reach the underserved communities of Lower Solukhumbu, impacting over 300 schools, 1,700 teachers, and 42,000 children. The TTQE initiative has led to increased primary school attendance, a rise in girls’ school enrolment, and improved student retention through to secondary education, providing transformative educational opportunities. Since 2012, the TTQE program has also received support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program.

Establishment of the Schools for the Himalaya Program

Driven by Barbara Hall and AHF Founding Director Lincoln Hall OAM, the Schools for the Himalaya program was launched. This initiative allowed schools and students in Australia and other countries to fundraise for essential facilities and educational resources for remote schools in Nepal. Through the program, participants also engaged in meaningful cultural exchanges, fostering educational connections with Nepalese schools and their communities.

Amchi Program in Zanskar, India, featured by ABC’s Foreign Correspondent

AHF’s pioneering program to support traditional medical practices in Zanskar, the most remote part of the Himalayan region of Ladakh, was spotlighted by ABC’s Foreign Correspondent as an inspiring example of how a small Australian INGO can make a meaningful impact. Accompanied by AHF Director Garry Weare, the Foreign Correspondent team explored the tragically high infant mortality rate in the region and highlighted how local Amchi healers participated in a week-long workshop designed to revitalise and strengthen their traditional medical practices.

Launch of the RENEW Girls’ Education Program in Bhutan

AHF launched its girls’ education initiative in Bhutan in partnership with RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture, and Empower Women), an NGO founded by Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, Queen Mother of Bhutan. This program focuses on expanding educational access for girls, providing longer-term support, and assisting young women who have faced violence, abuse, or neglect, including access to counselling services.

Launch of the Tibet Performing Arts Program in Kalimpong, India

AHF’s dedication to preserving Tibetan cultural traditions led to a collaborative partnership with the Australian Tibetan Society and Gangjong Doeghar, a local NGO in Kalimpong, northern India. Over the next thirteen years, this program has supported traditional Tibetan performing arts, encouraging both students and adults to engage in dance, music, and language. This initiative not only helps preserve Tibetan heritage but also enhances career opportunities for participants.

Launch of the AHF Himalayan Art Award in Kathmandu, Nepal

In April 2009, the inaugural exhibition for the Himalayan Art Award showcased the remarkable works of its first recipients, Sushma Shakya and Kailash K. Shrestha, at Siddhartha Gallery in Kathmandu. The event was graced by the presence of H.E. Susan Grace, the Australian Ambassador to Nepal. Founded through the generous support of AHF supporter Margie Thomas, this self-funding program requires artists to commit to creating one major and one minor work, which they then donate to AHF. The foundation auctions these artworks to raise funds for future artists from Nepal and Bhutan, fostering a vibrant artistic community.

Book commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Nepal features AHF

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Nepal, the Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Susan Grace, commissioned the book Celebrating 50 Years of Australian Mountaineering Feats and Friendship in Nepal. AHF played a vital role in this project, with Founding Director Garry Weare penning the introduction, which highlights AHF's impactful work in Nepal. Contributions also came from Peter Hillary and Lincoln Hall OAM (fellow Founding Directors), AHF Ambassador Andrew Lock OAM, and supporters Brigitte Muir OAM, Sue Fear, Robin Boustead, and Jim Duff, all of whom reflect AHF’s enduring bond with the people of Nepal.

Inaugural Chairman’s Trek led by Simon Balderstone AM and Peter Hillary featured in Good Weekend Magazine

In May 2011, the first AHF fundraising “Chairman’s Trek” takes place, led by Peter Hillary, Simon Balderstone AM, and REED Nepal CEO Bhim Bogati, as they guide nine AHF supporters through the Lower Solu Khumbu and Solu Khumbu regions. The trek is highlighted as the cover story in the Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Weekend magazine, titled “In the Footsteps of Hillary.” Journalist Amanda Hooton reports that the trekkers are there to witness firsthand how AHF is transforming education for children in Nepal, noting that all participants donated $10,000 to support AHF’s programs and were eager to see the impact of their contributions.

ABC's Foreign Correspondent covers AHF’s participation in Khumjung School’s 50th anniversary celebration and education program

In July 2011, the ABC’s Foreign Correspondent aired an episode titled “Shadows of Everest”, highlighting the May visit by Peter Hillary and members of the inaugural AHF “Chairman’s Trek” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Khumjung School—Sir Edmund Hillary’s original “schoolhouse in the clouds.” The segment also covered AHF’s efforts in succeeding the Himalayan Trust New Zealand in delivering teacher training and education assistance programs in the Solu Khumbu region, showcasing the ongoing impact of AHF’s commitment to education in Nepal.

AHF recognised in the “Australia in the Asian Century” White Paper

In February 2012, the AHF was honoured to be one of only two NGOs highlighted in the Federal Government’s “Australia in the Asian Century” White Paper. The document states, "The Australian Himalayan Foundation is an Australian non-government organisation established by a group of mountaineers who wanted to give something back to Nepal after climbing in the Himalayas. The foundation raises funds to support education and health programs. It is one of many Australian non-government organisations built on enduring people-to-people links".

AHF achieves AusAID Base Accreditation

AHF proudly achieved “Base Accreditation” with AusAID in June 2012, becoming the smallest agency in terms of staffing to obtain this distinction. This accreditation allows AHF to access Australian government funding, providing greater stability and enabling long-term planning for our programs. To secure this accreditation, AHF ensured that our policies, practices, and those of our overseas project partners met the highest standards of quality and accountability, demonstrating our commitment to delivering tangible outcomes for our donors’ investments.

AHF hosts visit by Her Majesty the Queen Mother of Bhutan

In October 2014, AHF proudly hosted a visit to Australia by Her Majesty Sangay Choden Wangchuck, the Queen Mother of Bhutan and founder and Patron of RENEW, AHF's program partner in Bhutan. This visit aimed to raise awareness and funds for RENEW and AHF's initiatives focused on the health and education of young Bhutanese women. During her time in Australia, Her Majesty visited schools and engaged with AHF supporters at events in Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne. She also met with government officials, including the Federal Education Minister, further strengthening ties between Bhutan and Australia.

Nepal earthquakes: AHF provides emergency relief and launches major appeal for rebuilding schools

In the wake of two devastating earthquakes in April and May 2015 that claimed nearly 9,000 lives and severely damaged over 200 AHF-supported schools, AHF responded swiftly to the crisis. From Kathmandu and Australia, we delivered critical supplies—including shelter, water, and medical items—to affected communities in the Lower Solu Khumbu. Simultaneously, we launched the "Build Nepal Back Better" Appeal to raise funds for reconstruction efforts. To ensure that children could quickly resume their education, we established a series of Temporary Learning Centres while planning the restoration of damaged classrooms. Ultimately, the Appeal raised an impressive $1.3 million, significantly contributing to the rebuilding efforts in the region.

Completion of rebuild program in Lower Solukhumbu, Nepal

AHF proudly completed its "Building Nepal Back Better" project, a significant initiative launched in response to the 2015 earthquakes. This program resulted in the rebuilding and repair of 87 classrooms across 26 schools in the Lower Solukhumbu region. AHF pioneered an innovative earthquake-resistant design using lightweight, prefabricated materials, which were specifically chosen for their transportability to extremely remote areas. The project also included a training program for local workers to enhance their construction skills. In collaboration with REED Nepal, AHF coordinated a joint rebuilding effort with the Himalayan Trust UK and the Himalayan Trust New Zealand. The new design, developed pro bono by renowned Australian engineering and architectural firms—Taylor Thomson Whitting, HASSELL, and Davenport Campbell—received multiple Good Design Australia awards for its impact on social sustainability, engineering, and architecture.

AHF provides major Covid-19 relief support in Nepal and pioneers distance learning radio education program

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns of schools and communities, AHF collaborated with our education partner, REED Nepal, to pioneer an innovative distance learning program using radio lessons. This initiative successfully reached over 1.2 million primary school students, engaging nearly 14,000 students and 1,000 teachers from our TTQE program. Additionally, we supported our health program partner, Action for Nepal, by financing the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential medical supplies for a hospital and five health centres, as well as training 30 healthcare staff. In May 2021, in response to the “second wave” of the pandemic, we delivered critical medical equipment—including protective kits and oxygen concentrators—to remote health posts, ensuring that vulnerable communities received the support they needed during this challenging time.

Application submitted for Full Accreditation with the Australian Government Aid Program

AHF has successfully prepared and submitted an application for Full Accreditation with the Australian Government's Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). This accreditation will enhance our capacity to secure funding and further our mission to support communities in the Himalayas.

Flagship Education Program launches in Western Nepal

AHF's flagship education initiative, and newly titled Teacher Training and Quality Inclusive Education Program (TTQIE), embarks on an exciting new phase. This enhanced program aims to further strengthen educational support and training while promoting gender equality, equity, and child safeguarding. Additionally, it addresses critical issues such as preventing gender-based violence and youth suicide. This initiative is a key component of AHF's 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, which includes the expansion of TTQIE into Western Nepal, ensuring that more communities benefit from quality education.