Everyday stroke heroes recognised at 2025 National Stroke Awards
Australia’s everyday stroke heroes have been recognised at the 2025 National Stroke Awards, held in Melbourne on 29 October to coincide with World Stroke Day. National Stroke Awards celebrate outstanding individuals whose actions, compassion, innovation and determination are helping to improve the lives of the nearly half a million Australians and their families impacted by stroke across the country.
This year’s winners include survivors of stroke, carers, health professionals, researchers and advocates who have gone above and beyond to support others and drive positive change in stroke prevention, treatment and recovery.
Professor Julie Bernhardt AM, FAHMS, PhD was the recipient of the 2025 President’s Achievement Award in recognition of her manifold contributions as a leading voice in global stroke rehabilitation clinical practice, ground-breaking research, and strong advocacy for Women in Science.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy said the Awards shine a light on the extraordinary impact individuals can have within and beyond the stroke community.
“These remarkable Australians remind us that all of us have a role to play in creating an Australia with fewer strokes, better outcomes, support and care for all” Dr Murphy said. “The Awards highlight the compassion, resilience and innovation driving progress in stroke prevention, treatment and recovery and their efforts of all nominees, finalists and winners inspire real hope for the future.”
The 2025 National Stroke Awards winners are:
| Courage Award | Glenn Browne, Mornington, VIC |
| Creative Award | Antonia Arfaras, Narre Warren North, VIC |
| First Nations Stroke Excellence Award | Joe Miller, Tamworth, NSW |
| Fundraiser of the Year Award | Ryan Webber, Cronulla, NSW |
| Improving Life After Stroke Award | Tony Finneran, Padstow, NSW |
| Stroke Care Champion Award | Professor Natasha Lannin, Caulfield, VIC |
| Volunteer of the Year Award | Michael Whittle, Acton Park, TAS |
| Warrior Award | Alexis Kalofonos, Gold Coast, QLD Georgia Peacock, Wandana Heights, VIC Caleb Wallace, Wodonga, VIC |
| President’s Achievement Award | Professor Julie Bernhardt AM, FAHMS, PhD |
More information on National Stroke Awards and its categories can be found here: https://strokefoundation.org.au/how-you-can-help/get-involved/stroke-awards
FRONT (L-R): Caleb Wallace (VIC), Alexis Kalofonos (QLD), Georgia Peacock (VIC), Lexie Tomollilo (VIC)
The National Stroke Awards are proudly supported by:
