Inspirational Australians from six states have been named as finalists in the 2023 Stroke Foundation Stroke Awards.
The finalists include a 14-year-old Queensland stroke survivor who is on track to one day swim alongside his idols in the 2032 Brisbane Paralympics, a personal trainer who has raised more than $77,000 for Stroke Foundation and the author of a book which features the stories of 26 young stroke survivors.
Stroke Foundation Interim Chief Executive Officer John De Rango congratulated all 18 finalists.
"We are thrilled to be able to recognise so many worthy recipients. The Stroke Awards are our way of saying thank you for your time and dedication to the stroke community," Mr De Rango said.
"I am blown away by the calibre of the nominees. It features a diverse group of Australians who have gone above and beyond to improve the lives of those affected by stroke."
Stroke strikes the brain and changes lives in an instant. More than 27,000 Australians have a stroke each year, which equates to one every 19 minutes.
More than 50 nominations were received for the 2023 Stroke Foundation Stroke Awards across its categories including Improving Life After Stroke, Creative, Courage, Fundraiser of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year. The 2023 Stroke Awards are proudly supported by Major Sponsor, BMS-Pfizer Alliance.
The winners will be announced at an event in Melbourne on May 4.
2023 Stroke Award Finalists
Improving Life after Stroke Award finalists - Proudly sponsored by Australian Physiotherapy Association. This category recognises those who voluntarily dedicate their time to improving the care and support of survivors of stroke in the community.
- Priya Sharma - West Pennant Hills, NSW
- Letisha Kalnins - Highland Park, QLD
- Gregg Oughten - Oldbury, WA
Creative Award finalists - Proudly sponsored by Allevi8. This category recognises stroke survivors' contribution to creative industries including writing, photography, music and fine art.
- Doug Hemming - Clayfield, QLD
- Gretel Burgess - Curtin, ACT
- Emma Green - Clear Island Waters, QLD
Fundraiser of the Year Award finalists - Proudly sponsored by Precision Fundraising. This category recognises a fundraiser who has gone above and beyond to help raise awareness and funds for stroke in Australia.
- Dan Maitland, Mordialloc, VIC
- Peter Scott - Mt Martha, VIC
- Nick Beever - Highton, VIC
Courage Award finalists - Proudly sponsored by Ipsen. This category recognises the courage and hope shown by survivors and carers in stroke recovery.
- Nicole Gallacher - Mount Evelyn, VIC
- Mikaela Reilly - Mount Gambier, SA
- Richard Crookes - Winnellie, NT
Volunteer of the Year Award finalists - Proudly sponsored by National Australia Bank. This category recognises outstanding volunteers whose dedicated service has made a significant difference.
- Kris Vanston - Melbourne, VIC
- Tony Finneran - Padstow, NSW
- Lillian Chen - Strathfield, NSW
Stroke Warrior Awards finalists - Proudly sponsored by AbbVie. This category recognises the contribution of a person under 18 in stroke awareness, fundraising or advocacy.
- Elena Lu - Killara, NSW
- Jackson King - Buderim, QLD
- Noah Barlow - Bacchus Marsh, VIC
The prestigious President's Achievement Award will also be presented at the event. It's given to exceptional individuals who have made a significant contribution to Stroke Foundation. The winners are selected by Stroke Foundation President Linda Kristjanson AO.
