2021 Stroke Award Finalists Announced
Stroke Foundation is thrilled to announce the finalists for this year’s national Stroke Awards.
Finalists include an author who wrote a novel from her bed, two “Australian Survivor All-Stars” who challenged Aussies wear a towel to raise funds for stroke and an epidemiologist who has been at the forefront of stroke research for more than a decade.
The Stroke Foundation’s national Stroke Awards celebrate the survivors of stroke, carers, volunteers, health professionals and researchers who work tirelessly to improve the lives of those affected by the disease.
Stroke Foundation Executive Director Stroke Services Lisa Murphy congratulated the inspirational finalists.
“I am blown away by the calibre of the nominees for the Stroke Awards,” Dr Murphy said.
“Each effort is incredibly powerful and goes a long way to helping the Stroke Foundation in its mission to prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery.
"The Stroke Awards are our way of saying thank you for your time and dedication to supporting the stroke community."
Stroke strikes the brain and can change a life in an instant. There are almost 450,000 people living with stroke in Australia.
Almost 70 nominations were received for the 2021 Stroke Foundation national Stroke Awards across six categories: Improving Life after Stroke, Creative, Courage, Fundraiser of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and President’s Achievement.
The awards are supported by Major Sponsor Ipsen. The winners will be announced virtually on Wednesday May 5, 2021.
2021 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.
- Bradley Butwell – Kingaroy, QLD.
- Brian Beh – Picnic Point, NSW.
- Clive Kempson – Clyde North, VIC.
- Mike Whittle – Acton Park, TAS.
- Sean O’Brien – Emu Heights, NSW.
Creative Award finalists - Proudly sponsored by Marmalade Melbourne
This category recognises stroke survivors’ contribution to creative industries including writing, photography, music and fine art.
- Alan Tremain – Wyoming, NSW.
- Desney King – Turramurra, NSW.
- Suzanne Ghent – Daley’s Point, NSW.
- Trish Higgins – Darwin, NT.
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.
- Ash Van Wensveen and Adam Hills –¬ VIC.
- Daniel Maitland – Mordialloc, VIC.
- David Genat ¬– Perth, WA and Lee Carseldine, QLD.
- Jordyn and Cody Freeman – Bentleigh East, VIC.
- Jamie and Steve Fitzcarlos – Marrickville, NSW.
- Team Regis (AUS)
Courage Award finalists
This category recognises the courage and hope shown by survivors and carers in stroke recovery.
- Bob Carey-Grieve – Ballan, VIC.
- Emma Beesley – Bolwarra Heights, NSW.
- Francoise Gilroy – Warriewood, NSW.
- Julie and Ross Collins – Lower Plenty, VIC.
- Tommy Davidson – River Mountain, TAS.
Volunteer of the Year Award finalists – Proudly sponsored by NAB Community
This category recognises outstanding volunteers whose dedicated service has made a significant difference.
- Heidi Li – Glenroy, VIC.
- Jake Vincent – Kingston, TAS.
- Janet Weir – Plympton, SA.
- John Stevens – Cambridge, TAS.
President's Achievement Award finalists – Proudly sponsored by Ipsen
This category recognises exceptional dedication, outstanding contributions and exemplary service to the Stroke Foundation.
- Adrian O’Malley – Carlton, NSW.
- Eleanor Horton – Coloundra, QLD.
- A/Prof Monique Kilkenny – Clayton, VIC.
