Creative Victorians honoured at annual Stroke Awards

Jane Cross of Eynesbury and Paul Blackman of Minyip have each received honours in the Creative Award category at the 2022 Stroke Foundation Stroke Awards.

This award celebrates a survivor of stroke's contribution to creative industries including writing, photography, music, and fine art. While we did not receive enough entries to fairly complete the judging process this year, both nominees have been acknowledged by Stroke Foundation with Highly Commended certificates.

Jane Cross has become an established photographer since experiencing a stroke, while Paul Blackman has published two books of digital art works which he created to visually express the impact of his stroke.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan congratulated Jane and Paul on their commendations.

“Jane and Paul have both enriched their lives through creative expression. It is a way of finding new meaning after a stroke,” Ms McGowan said.

“We know many people in the stroke community are exceptionally creative and are using creative expression as part of their own recovery journey, and that of others.  We want to see, hear, and read more of their stories, so we hope that next year we will see more entries to this category”.

The Stroke Awards celebrate the unsung heroes in our community who go above and beyond to improve the lives of Australians affected by stroke. This includes the survivors of stroke, carers, volunteers, fundraisers, health professionals and researchers and members of the community.

The Creative Award category recognises stroke survivors’ contribution to creative industries. It is proudly sponsored by Marmalade.

There are seven award categories in total: Stroke Warrior, Improving Life after Stroke, Creative, Courage, Fundraiser of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and President’s Achievement.

For more information about stroke, how to recognise the signs, and manage the risks, visit our website www.strokefoundation.org.au

Media contact: m) 0408 000 409 e) media@strokefoundation.org.au