Stroke Foundation is marking a major milestone tomorrow by heading to Parliament to celebrate thirty years as the voice of stroke in Australia.
Survivors, advocates and Stroke Foundation team members are meeting with the nation’s leaders in Canberra to share the occasion and reflect on the foundation’s significant achievements.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, says the milestone is a community effort.
“This is an exciting moment for Stroke Foundation and our incredible stroke community. Across three decades we’ve grown stronger together; survivors, carers, family members and friends, researchers, clinicians, volunteers, and supporters working in unity to strengthen impact and advocacy.”
Stroke Foundation was established on 19 July 1996 when stroke was made a national health priority by the Federal Government. Its aim was to reduce the impact of stroke on individuals, families, and communities across Australia.
Over the past three decades, Stroke Foundation has shaped stroke prevention, treatment and recovery in Australia, and has championed the voice of lived experience in all facets of stroke care. Its major moments include developing Australia’s first national living stroke clinical guidelines, establishing the Stroke Centre Certification Program, launching the StrokeLine support service, funding initiatives such as mobile stroke units and over 30 years of research that have transformed stroke outcomes.
Dr Murphy says the Foundation remains steadfast in working towards its vision of fewer strokes, better outcomes and support and care for all Australians impacted by stroke.
“Our 30th anniversary positions Stroke Foundation to launch the next era of stroke prevention and care – one where every Australian knows their stroke risks; can recognise the signs; knows what to do if and when stroke strikes; and has access to world-class treatment and recovery supports.”
“This anniversary is our call to action for government, healthcare providers, researchers, and communities to join us in fighting stroke and creating a future where fewer Australians experience this life-changing condition,” Dr Murphy added.
In 2023, there were an estimated 45,785 stroke events in Australia including 34,793 first-ever strokes, which equates to one stroke every 11 minutes. In addition to this, there are more than 440,400 Aussies living with stroke.
“The fight against stroke requires collective action; we invite all Australians to join us in creating a future where stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery are accessible to everyone.”
