Stronger Together

10 Jul 2026 Stroke support

Celebrating 30 Years of the Stroke Foundation Australia: Stronger Together

This year marks an extraordinary milestone for Stroke Foundation Australia – 30 years of leadership, advocacy and innovation in the fight against stroke. For three decades, the Foundation has been a trusted voice for stroke survivors, families, carers, researchers and healthcare professionals, working tirelessly towards a future with fewer strokes, better outcomes, and support and care for all.

While Stroke Foundation officially began its journey as the National Stroke Foundation in 1996, its roots stretch back even further. In 1983, neurosurgeon David Brownbill AM and engineer Sir John Holland AC established a research foundation with a vision to improve treatment for stroke and other neurological conditions. When stroke was recognised as one of Australia's national health priority areas of need in 1996, the Foundation sharpened its focus, embarking on a mission that has transformed advocacy, stroke prevention, treatment, recovery and championed the voice of lived experience across the country.

Over the past 30 years, the Foundation has also played a pivotal role in advancing stroke research and data collection, advocating for better access to life-saving treatments, and improving the quality of stroke care nationwide. Whilst challenges for equitable access to care remain, its commitment to evidence-based practice has helped shape world-leading living clinical guidelines, educate thousands of health professionals and ensure Australians experiencing stroke receive faster, innovative, world-leading, and evidence-based care.

Perhaps one of the Foundation's greatest achievements has been empowering Australians with knowledge. Public awareness campaigns have helped people recognise the signs of stroke sooner and understand that every minute counts. As more Australians have learned to act F.A.S.T., more lives have been saved, and more people have had the opportunity to experience better recovery outcomes.

The Foundation's work extends well beyond emergency care. Resources such as the My Stroke Journey suite, first launched in 2013, have provided practical guidance and reassurance to countless stroke survivors and their families. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation championed innovative approaches such as telehealth, helping ensure people in regional and remote communities could continue accessing specialist stroke care and rehabilitation.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the remarkable community behind Stroke Foundation. Survivors, carers, clinicians, researchers, volunteers, donors, government partners, advocates and supporters have all contributed to building an organisation that continues to make a profound difference in the lives of Australians.

In its 30th anniversary year, Stroke Foundation continues to build on this progress, by highlighting inequities in stroke care impacting women, First Nations peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse Australians, and other priority populations. The Foundation has expanded Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check as part of the global May Measurement Month, and launched a dedicated childhood stroke research grants program. Other 2026 highlights include overseeing the coordination of the national Stroke Unit Certification Program and convening a National Rehabilitation Taskforce to improve care access and coordination for the 440,000 survivors of stroke in Australia.

Marking the launch of the Stroke Foundation’s 2026 National Stroke Awards, CEO Dr Lisa Murphy said: "We are thrilled that our National Stroke Awards will be a double celebration in 2026. What better way to mark Stroke Foundation's 30th Anniversary than with the incredible people who are at the centre of our mission, and inform and inspire the work we do, every day."

“Stroke Foundation remains steadfast in working towards our vision of fewer strokes, better outcomes and support and care for all Australians impacted by stroke”, Dr Murphy added.

Hear from the Stroke Foundation’s community

Stroke Foundation’s 30 anniversary social media video
30 years | Stroke Foundation - Australia

Back to the top