Meet the 2026 National Stroke Awards finalists

We’re excited to announce the finalists for the 2026 National Stroke Awards!

The National Stroke Awards celebrate courageous, generous and inspiring people from across Australia. Each year, we recognise survivors of stroke, carers, volunteers, health professionals, researchers, fundraisers and advocates who are making a difference in the stroke community.

This year’s Awards are particularly special as we celebrate 30 years of Stroke Foundation.

2026 National Stroke Awards finalists

Courage Award
Ryan Ogden
Shannon Nelson
Richard Wassell

Creative Award
Gillian Coutts
Roberta Fox
Thomas Graham

Fundraiser of the Year
Jessica Barton
Jack Buckley
Nicole Torrance

First Nations Stroke Excellence Award
A/Prof Angela Dos Santos
Amy Thompson
Aunty Coral Toomey

Improving Life After Stroke Award
Bob Carey-Grieve
Saran Chamberlain
Matthew John Berryman

Volunteer of the Year
Stewart Greig
Christine Heyes
Gideon Meltzer

Warrior Award
Hugh Proud
Harriet Caldwell
Audrey Fletcher

Stroke Care Champion Award
Casey Hair
Bronwyn Coulton
Elizabeth Lynch

Congratulations to all our 2026 finalists. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and sharing their remarkable stories at the National Stroke Awards.

2026 National Stroke Awards

Thursday 15 October 2026
10.30am to 1.00pm
RACV City Club, Melbourne

The Awards ceremony will also be livestreamed, so you can join the celebration from anywhere in Australia.

The livestream link will be available on this page two weeks before the Awards.