Annual Review 2020
55,000 social media followers (10,000 new)
Childhood survivor of stroke, Georgia Peacock with her family. strokefoundation.org.au1 From the President and Chief Executive Officer
Thank you for standing with us as we continued our mission during unprecedented challenges.
In 2020, the world faced a new threat and a changed reality when the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced the coronavirus (COVID-19) as a global pandemic. The impact was profound and immediate with restrictions on public movement, mandatory facemask wearing and major disruptions to health and community services. With your support, Stroke Foundation leaned-in to the challenges of 2020 knowing the services we provide for the stroke community were needed more than ever. We quickly moved our people to remote working Recovery from stroke can be a long and hard journey, ensuring our key services were a constant for those in with its impact extending beyond the individual survivor. need of advice, support and information. We partnered with the community to identify where gaps existed and The extent of stroke’s impact and the opportunity acted, adapting and evolving with the environment to address it was quantified in the release of two around us. major new reports; The economic impact of stroke in Australia, 2020 and No Postcode Untouched, Stroke in Proudly, Stroke Foundation played an important Australia 2020. The reports showed an estimated 27,428 role in the management of COVID-19 across the Australians experienced stroke for the first time in their nation. Technology and processes Stroke Foundation lives in 2020, and there were an estimated 445,087 developed and tested with Cochrane Australia as part survivors of stroke living in the community. Alarmingly, of a Living Guidelines for Stroke Management the economic cost of stroke exceeded $6.2 billion in pilot project were adapted to provide our health 2020, with a further $26.0 billion in lost wellbeing – due professionals with clinical guidance for managing to short and long-term disability, and premature death. patients with COVID-19. It is our vision to see the tools and systems we have developed to provide The reports also highlighted the opportunity to act now, up to date, accessible guidelines for stroke be to reduce the burden of stroke. expanded to other disease areas. For the first time, Stroke Foundation acted to improve outcomes for our littlest survivors of stroke and their Our ability to pivot our learnings to respond families. Thanks to your generosity, Our Family’s Stroke rapidly and use the systems to produce Journey was launched, providing families with an guidelines for COVID-19 is a demonstration evidenced-based road map to help navigate life after of the value this model brings to the stroke. Further, Stroke Foundation secured funding from Australian health care system. the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Mission for Cardiovascular Health for a world-first multi-centre Outside of the COVID-19 response, Stroke clinical trial assessing the benefit of administering Foundation focused on helping more Australians established time-critical adult treatments in children live well after stroke. impacted by stroke.
The economic impact of stroke in Australia, 2020
One stroke occurs The estimated 6,535 (24%) first-ever cost of stroke in strokes ocurred in every 19 mins Australia was people aged 54 years minutes $2.6 billion in 2020 and under in Australia
2 Stroke Foundation is proud to be a partner in this With your support, Stroke Foundation took ambitious proposal. evidence-based interventions highlighted in Being resilient, thinking outside the box, adapting 2019 National Strategic Action Plan for Heart quickly, and working with our community to solve and Stroke – currently under consideration by problems were central to our work in 2020. Stroke Government – and began to implement them. Foundation will take this approach into 2021, as we celebrate all that we have achieved over the past 25 years and set our sights on preventing, treating and Stroke Foundation also began the Young Stroke Project, beating stroke over the coming decade. It is timely a co-designed project with survivors and carers, which that in 2021, our 25th anniversary year, Stroke aims to empower working-age Australians to find their Foundation will formally welcome its first female ‘new normal’ after stroke. Young stroke is an emerging President to lead this important next phase. area of need in the health system, with The economic impact of stroke in Australia, 2020 report providing We are making gains in improving outcomes from evidence of increased incidence of stroke among stroke, however there is much more to be done and younger people aged 35–54 years. we can only achieve our mission with your continued and vital support. This Annual Review is a testament The year 2020 also saw Stroke Foundation continue to you: our generous supporters, our Board and its commitment to equity of access to emergency Committee members, our workforce, our many stroke treatment. The Melbourne-based Stroke volunteers, the survivors of stroke, their loved ones, Ambulance continued to slash treatment times health professionals and researchers. Thank you compared with standard hospital care. for continuing to prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery. Lessons learned from this impressive pilot project were utilised to create a new vision for accessible emergency stroke treatment in regional and rural Australia. The Australian Stroke Alliance Golden Hour Project proposal is aiming to develop the next generation of lightweight, portable brain scanning Professor James Angus AO Sharon McGowan technology and even a world-first stroke air ambulance. President Chief Executive Officer
Stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic › F.A.S.T. (Face. Arms. Speech. Time.) signs of stroke awareness. COVID-19 has demonstrated the effectiveness of decisive public health measures and a comprehensive › COVID-19 community information updates. communication strategy designed to prevent disease, › StrokeLine – Free national helpline diagnose quickly and treat effectively those confirmed 1800 STROKE (1800 787 653) staffed by health professionals, with the disease. Many of these approaches apply providing practical and confidential advice. equally to prevention, treatment and recovery from stroke and other chronic disease. We must learn from › StrokeLine Outbound (QLD, ACT and TAS) – supporting these approaches for the future wellbeing of Australians. survivors of stroke and their families on their return home, connecting them to services and providing In Australia, visits to the GP declined during the information including prevention of further strokes. pandemic, leading to decrease in risk assessments and management of chronic conditions and calls to triple › EnableMe – Online community and resource guiding zero (000). The decline resulted in delays in treatment recovery and connecting survivors and carers and the inability to be connected to rehabilitation (enableme.org.au). services or the secondary prevention information patients needed to recover well. › InformMe – Online resource for health professionals in stroke providing the latest guidance in utilising With your support, Stroke Foundation continued to be telehealth (informme.org.au); and there where and when we were needed most, delivering support and connection, including: › Expertise, technology and processes pivoted to support the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce.
Regional Australians More than 445,087 27,428 Australians are 17% more likely Australians are experienced stroke to experience stroke living with the for the first time than those in effects of stroke in 2020 metro areas
3 Goal 1: Fewer preventable strokes in Australia
QLD
201 StrokeSafe 3,501 media 71,000 social 207,000 Queenslanders Speaker Program mentions with media followers had a risk assessment presentations a reach of almost (16,000 new) as part of delivered 65 million My health for life
More than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. With our population aging and our lifestyle becoming more sedentary, many of us are unaware of our stroke risk and are unable to be proactive and take back control.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure remains the My health for life single largest risk factor for stroke. Therefore, raising awareness of the link between high blood pressure By the end of 2020 over 207,000 Queenslanders and stroke, and empowering Australians to know had a risk assessment and over 10,000 completed the their stroke risk and understand how to manage program. The program has continued to demonstrate it is vitally important. successful outcomes with 70 percent of participants reducing their waist circumference and the average With your continued support, Stroke Foundation is number of mentally unhealthy days identified by increasing community understanding of the major participants dropped from 6.4 to 4.8 days. risk factors for stroke. This is a crucial step towards a healthier Australia with fewer preventable strokes Health Promotion Advisory occurring in our community. Sub-committee The Health Promotion Advisory Sub-committee Ryman Healthcare Mobile Health provided expert advice and input on a number Screening Service of policy submissions to Government and other The Ryman Healthcare Mobile Health Screening consultations: including the Therapeutic Goods Service, delivered in partnership with Stroke Administration (TGA) Consultation on Proposed Foundation, visited 22 sites across Victoria in early Amendments to the Poison Standard (Nicotine), Royal 2020: including bowls clubs, farmers markets and Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) universities. A total of 56 percent of those who had Update of Guidelines for Preventive Activities in General their blood pressure checked, were found to be at Practice, Development of the National Preventive high risk of stroke and referred to appropriate GP/ Health Strategy, National Health and Medical Research primary care services. Services were suspended from Council (NHMRC) Draft Australian Guidelines to Reduce March to December due to COVID-19 restrictions. Health Risks From Drinking Alcohol, and Senate Select Committee Inquiry into Tobacco Harm Reduction. Tasmanian Community Innovations Grant Promoting Healthy Lifestyles A stroke prevention framework, funded by the Incredibly, 3,501 individual media mentions were Tasmanian Government, was delivered to help generated with a reach of almost 65 million. Tasmanians access a free, interactive health check to Stroke Foundation’s social media community reduce their stroke risk. A total of 2,376 Tasmanians grew by 16,000 to more than 71,000 followers. visited a health check station and 19 percent of those Our website had 619,283 who participated in a follow-up check showed health strokefoundation.org.au unique visitors in 2020, resulting in 802,645 website improvements. sessions. In addition, users spent 14 percent more time on the site than in 2019, and also explored more web pages.
4 StrokeSafe Speaker Program Jo Cordell Cooper For the first time, the StrokeSafe Speaker Program Tasmania’s Jo Cordell Cooper has a passion for exercise, healthy living was also delivered virtually and encouraging people to get moving to reduce their stroke risk. in 2020. There were 201 Jo’s father Ron suffered two strokes and lived with poor health for presentations delivered to many years before sadly passing away. community groups, events, and After seeing first-hand, the devastating impact stroke can have on workplaces, reaching more than families, Jo decided to take action to help other people and families 5,000 Australians with life-saving avoid this disease. Jo established the Tasmanian Iconic Walks, an F.A.S.T. (Face. Arms. Speech. annual bushwalk through the scenic Tasman National Park, which Time.) signs of stroke and stroke raises awareness of stroke, makes participants focus on their own prevention messages. Virtual health and raises funds for Stroke Foundation. presentations increased Stroke Foundation’s reach into regional In the past three years Jo and her team have raised almost $120,000 and rural Australia. to support vital Stroke Foundation programs to help survivors of stroke and their families live well and avoid recurrent stroke. An online training platform for new StrokeSafe Speakers was developed “Stroke denied my Dad simple pleasures like walking, knowing with the support of the Australian us, and even eating was a struggle. My father and his situation Federal Government, removing became my inspiration. I wanted to help at a deep level,’’ barriers to recruitment of StrokeSafe Jo said. speakers from regional areas. “Physical inactivity is one of the greatest risk factors for stroke behind high blood pressure, but we can do something about it. There are so many health benefits from finding an activity you love and moving your body.”
5 Goal 2: Ensur e all Australians have access to evidence-based stroke treatment
Stroke Ambulance More than 1,900 Stroke awareness F.A.S.T. Community delivers treatment organisations messages reached education grants active 74 minutes faster registered for more than 8.8 in TAS, NSW, WA and than average National Stroke million Australians Federally hospital times Week in 2020
With the right treatment, at the right time, many people will recover from stroke. However, not all Australians have access to these vital treatments when they are most needed.
When a stroke strikes, up to 1.9 million brain cells Government’s Medical Research Future Fund Frontiers can die every minute; but quick treatment can stop initiative, as well as support from philanthropic partners. this damage. Stroke treatment is time critical, the earlier treatment is delivered, the better the outcome Emergency stroke telehealth services and for patients with stroke. With new life-saving treatments treatment pathways being implemented, survivors of stroke now have Via the utilisation of telehealth networks, neurologists a better chance of a meaningful recovery. provide around-the-clock support to regional clinicians. Together, we continue to make progress towards Specialists are available to review a patient’s brain scan ensuring all Australians have access to evidence-based via computer software remotely, then provide diagnosis, stroke treatment and care. timely treatment advice and assist with rapid transfer to metro hospitals for more advanced treatments where Stroke Ambulance appropriate. Stroke Foundation has long advocated for A Stroke Ambulance brings emergency stroke diagnosis stroke telehealth services to be rolled-out nationally. and treatment to the patient. Equipped with the latest Established networks are located in Victoria which diagnostic technology, including a brain scanner and expanded its service in 2020 to include two regional telemedicine equipment, and specialist staff on board, hospitals in Tasmania, and also an operational service Stroke Ambulances improve outcomes for stroke patients. in South Australia. Building on these networks in 2020: › After three years of operation, the Melbourne-based › NSW Telestroke Service Stroke Ambulance (or Mobile Stroke Unit) provides Up to 23 rural and regional NSW hospitals will be treatment after onset up to 74 minutes faster compared added to the jointly Federal and State Government to Australian hospital treatment and 40 minutes faster funded Telestroke service in the next three years. compared to metropolitan Melbourne hospitals. The NSW Telestroke Service is coordinated by the › The New South Wales (NSW) Government announced Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney. a Stroke Ambulance was set to be trialled in the state. › This builds on the success of the Melbourne-based WA Statewide Telestroke Service A $9.7 million commitment from WA Government Stroke Ambulance. to expand the Statewide Telestroke Service, as part of WA Recovery Plan delivers on a key focus of the Australian Stroke Alliance Sustainable Health Review to provide more telehealth Stroke Foundation is an essential partner in the services so patients with suspected stroke can access Australian Stroke Alliance and will lead consumer specialist consultant expertise 24/7. engagement and clinician education in this groundbreaking national proposal. The work of the Australian Stroke Alliance is supported in Stage 1 by a $1 million grant as part of the Australian
6 F.A.S.T. across the country › As part of the Tasmanian F.A.S.T. grant the StrokeSafe message was promoted and resources › Stroke Foundation’s 2020 population health survey provided to the local community; supporters showed that just 16% of Australians knew two or delivered 2,000 F.A.S.T. magnets to households more signs of stroke unprompted. in Launceston and 725 F.A.S.T. magnets to › WA F.A.S.T. grant of $800,000 over four years households in the Derwent Valley communities. conducted a number of activities in 2020; including The Tasmanian Government awarded Stroke distributing F.A.S.T. resources to pharmacies, online Foundation a $440,000 budget allocation over two not-for-profit shopping delivery service, 20 retirement years for continuation of the F.A.S.T. Community villages to 675 residences and 10 public libraries. of Practice and Stroke Outreach Program. A social media campaign promoted F.A.S.T. in the South West region, 27 face-to-face F.A.S.T. Clinical Guidelines education talks were held, and four community With the help of more than 100 clinical experts and 28 events were attended. consumers the innovative ‘living’ stroke guidelines model continued to mature. Changes to six recommendations › In partnership with NSW Health, the NSW F.A.S.T. were approved by NHMRC, with updated research Community Education program supported the roll added to almost all topics ensuring evidence-based out of the new NSW Telestroke Service by generating clinical guidance is readily and easily available to health 339 individual media mentions across print, radio, professionals and consumers across Australia. television and online reaching an estimated audience of 6.3 million. There were 310 people who attended National Stroke Week 2020 a StrokeSafe talk in regional NSW. National Stroke Week was held from 31 August – 6 › Stroke Foundation welcomed a four-year investment September 2020, with more than 1,900 organisations from the ACT Government into a specialist F.A.S.T. and individuals registering across the country: including education program tailored to maximise the benefits health organisations, workplaces and community of Canberra’s Walk-in Centers. Clinician education groups hosting awareness activities, online events and will be partnered with health checks and resources webinars. The community was encouraged to learn the to prevent stroke and improve access to stroke signs of stroke and become a F.A.S.T. Hero. Stroke Week treatment amongst the vulnerable. messages reached more than 8.8 million Australians.
F.A.S.T. Federal Grant Project Stroke Foundation developed and launched a new F.A.S.T. signs of stroke campaign targeting regional and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Priority populations were identified based on health literacy, stroke incidence and access to stroke services: Tevita Fifita › Federal electorates targeted include Flinders, Mallee, Victorian boy Tevita Fifita may have saved his mum Meliame’s Lyne, Page, Wide Bay, Hinkler, life by recognising the signs of stroke and calling triple Capricornia, Barker, Braddon, zero (000). Forrest. Tevita was 10 years old when Meliame had a stroke. Tevita › Languages targeted include Greek, had learnt the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke as part of a first aid Italian, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, class at school. Vietnamese, Arabic, Hindi. The pair were home alone when Meliame experienced The campaign is funded by an a facial droop and was unable to move her left side. $800,000 grant from the Federal Government in response to the National Strategic Action Plan for Heart Disease “Mum told me to call Dad who was at work, and Stroke. The Action Plan is currently but instead I called an ambulance so we could under consideration by Governments get help straight away.” at all levels.
7 Goal 3: Enhance recovery to help Australians live well after stroke
19,721 people 2,444 calls for 105,413 people Four Young Stroke received My Stroke assistance answered accessed 367,400 Project recovery Journey across 259 by StrokeLine pages of information podcasts received hospitals nationally on EnableMe more than 4,000 plays
A stroke has long lasting and far-reaching effects. Affecting both the survivor and their family, recovery can be a long and challenging road, both physically and mentally.
With your help, Stroke Foundation can continue Each year, an estimated 500 babies and children to ensure both practical tools and programs are experience a stroke in Australia. available to provide survivors and their loved ones with the confidence and support they need to live well. The Australian Paediatric Acute Code Stroke (PACS) We will stand alongside survivors of stroke and their study is a partnership project between Stroke families and provide support on their journey to live Foundation and the Murdoch Children’s Research well after stroke. Institute (MCRI), health professionals and patients. Childhood stroke was named among the first priorities National Stroke Audit of the Federal Government’s Medical Research Future A total of 111 rehabilitation services participated in Fund Cardiovascular Mission. the annual National Stroke Audit. 2,842 case notes Building on this work, with your support Stroke were reviewed to assess the quality of hospital-based Foundation launched Our Family’s Stroke Journey stroke rehabilitation care in Australia. The audit information pack for parents and families of childhood identifies gaps in care and is used to improve care survivors of stroke in September. The information outlined in the guidelines. pack provides an evidence-based road map for navigating life after stroke for our littlest survivors. My Stroke Journey 1,650 Our Family’s Stroke Journey recovery guides The definitive guide for survivors of stroke, their families, were distributed to major paediatric hospitals and carers for navigating the journey from hospital to across Australia. home after stroke, and beyond. With your support, this resource is provided freely to all hospitals. Our Family’s Our Family’sStroke Journey › 19,721 people received My Stroke Journey while Stroke Journey Information for parents Informationabout for paediatric parents stroke in hospital. about paediatric stroke
› 259 hospitals delivered the resource nationally. Our Stroke Journey, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, is in development and will be launced in 2021.
$4 million for childhood stroke In a world-first, Stroke Foundation is transforming the care of children with stroke by decreasing time to diagnosis and increasing the number of children About the Stroke Foundation The Stroke Foundation partners with the community to prevent, treat and beat stroke. receiving time-critical stroke therapies. Georgia, childhood stroke survivor, with her family We do this through raising awareness, facilitating How to get– become involved a volunteer. research and supporting stroke survivors. Give time – donate or hold a fundraising event. Georgia, childhood stroke survivor, with her family Raise funds 1300 194 196 – join our advocacy– include team. a gift in your Will. Speak up strokefoundation.org.au Leave a lasting legacy – check your health regularly. Paediatric stroke /strokefoundation Know your numbers– keep up-to-date and share our @strokefdn Stay informed @strokefdn Information for family message. StrokeLine and friends
StrokeLine’s health professionals provide information SF455_0820 and advice on stroke prevention, treatment and recovery. Our team helps people to find the support and services they need. StrokeLine’s practical, free and confidential advice helps people manage their health better and live well.
Call StrokeLine 1800 787 653 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Eastern Standard Time 8 Email: [email protected] strokefoundation.org.au/about-stroke Culturally and Linguistically Diverse With State Government support, Stroke Foundation provided a telephone based follow up program for (CALD) Communities Project survivors of stroke. The program focuses on ensuring Commencing late 2020 and focused on improving survivors are connecting with community based services life after stroke for culturally diverse communities, and are educated about how to prevent secondary information for survivors of stroke will be translated stroke. The service supported the following survivors into eight languages. of stroke:
Connecting communities › 152 Queenslanders received follow up support. EnableMe is Stroke Foundation’s online platform › 421 people of the ACT received a follow up designed with survivors of stroke to provide telephone call. information and resources across the stroke journey. In 2020 EnableMe was accessed by 105,413 survivors › 242 Tasmanians received referrals, with 85% of stroke, their families, carers and supporting health of patients receiving a call within 21 days. professionals; together 367,400 pages of information were accessed in 2020. A total of 2,444 survivors of stroke, their carers and families utilised StrokeLine, our free information and advice telephone helpline service staffed by health professionals, to obtain stroke support and advice.
Peacock Family
Stroke Foundation Georgia was just 11 months old when she suffered a stroke and lost all movement on her right-hand side. Young Stroke Project Following her stroke, Georgia spent six weeks in intensive care Almost 39 percent of first-time and more than two months on a hospital ward. Georgia’s parents, strokes in Australia strike people Tony and Kim Peacock, were by their daughters’ side 24/7. aged between 20 and 64 years. Around 124,000 Australians in this With backgrounds in health care, Tony and Kim were aware of the age group are living with the impact importance of early rehabilitation. Within eight weeks Georgia of stroke. began speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Georgia responded well to her early rehab. With the support of a grant from the National Disability Insurance Agency Although positive gains were being made, something was (NDIA), Stroke Foundation commenced missing. Georgia’s parents wished they could speak to some- a three-year co-designed Young Stroke one who had been in their shoes. Unfortunately, there was very Project to deliver tailored information little information available. When Stroke Foundation launched to working-age survivors of stroke, Our Family’s Stroke Journey in 2020, the resource filled this aged 18– 65 and their support crew. gap, providing examples of recovery journeys of other Launching with workshops, podcasts children, and their families, impacted by stroke. and videos. “These stories provide hope that good outcomes The project includes engaging with are possible at a time when everything feels diverse communities, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander overwhelming. It provides the comfort you and LGBTQI+ communities. are not alone.”
9 Year in review
Community Fundraising Events
Towel Challenge
Media
10 National Stroke Week
Stride 4Stroke
11 Goal 4: Champion research in stroke
Four Early Career Two endowment Stroke Foundation $4 million grant for Seed Grants shared in grants were assisted 54 research Paediatric Acute Code $200,000 of funding in awarded a total projects in 2020 Stroke (PACS) study the 2020 grant round of $175,000
With the rate of stroke increasing among younger adults (35 – 54 years*) and emerging international studies finding there may be a link between coronavirus (COVID-19) and increased stroke risk, research is needed now – more than ever – to help people with stroke survive and thrive.
But it takes time, dedication and a great deal of › Dr Heidi Janssen, Hunter New England Local funding. Stroke Foundation is supporting researchers Health District. Yarning up After Stroke – working to bring their big ideas to life and nurturing their with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities potential to save lives, reduce disability and benefit and people living with stroke to take a yarning-based generations to come. tool for self-management of recovery.
With the help of our generous donors, Stroke › Dr Di Marsden, Hunter New England Local Foundation has continued to invest in research which Health District. Let’s have a yarn about our bladder has the potential to generate new knowledge aimed at – partnering with Aboriginal people to implement driving improvements in stroke prevention, treatment stroke guideline-recommended urinary continence and care. and lower urinary tract symptom care that is culturally appropriate and safe. Research Grants Six research projects shared in $375,000 of funding this year through Stroke Foundation’s grant round. A number of the research trials are investigating the role of telehealth to better understand how to maximise its benefits in health care delivery, particularly for people based in rural and regional areas with limited access to therapists.
Early Career Seed Grants ($50,000) recipients:
› Lauren Christie, Nursing Research Institute (NRI) – St Vincent’s Health Network, Sydney and Australian Catholic University. ReCITE (Remote *Deloitte Access Economics, No Postcode Untouched 2020 (November 2020) Constraint Induced Therapy of the upper Extremity). Study investigating telehealth as an alternative to face-to-face therapy targeting arm weakness after stroke. Stroke Foundation has assisted › Dr Caroline Baker, La Trobe University. 54 research projects to Optimising mood and wellbeing with aphasia after stroke: a feasibility study of Prevention Intervention recruit participants in 2020. and Support in Mental health (PRISM) This highlights trust and strong via telerehabilitation. connections with survivors of stroke and research communities.
12 Endowment grants Tim Glendinning Memorial Fund for Young
Endowment grants were awarded in this research grant Adult Stroke round. These grants were made possible through the › Dr Alyna Turner, Deakin generous donations from families personally impacted University. Resuming by stroke who decided to leave a lasting legacy. Employment after Stroke: Endowment grants are investments in dedicated areas Enhancement through of research determined by the donors in consultation Telecoordination – RESET with Stroke Foundation. Rural Expansion. Dr Turner’s project will utilise telehealth to Nancy & Vic Allen Stroke Prevention Memorial Fund identify barriers in returning to work for people with stroke in › Professor Coralie English, University of Newcastle. rural and regional areas. i-REBOUND after stroke – development of an online Gavin Paul Bennier Memorial Research Fund program to prevent recurrent › Awarded to Professor stroke and support long- Vincent Thijs from the Florey term health and wellbeing. Institute of Neuroscience Professor English and and Mental Health in 2019. her team will develop an Work continues on Professor online exercise and healthy Thijs’ project to investigate eating program, specifically the prevalence of the rare designed in partnership with brain disorder in young and for, survivors of stroke. survivors of stroke.
Mark Mackay Associate Professor Mark Mackay is the key voice in paediatric stroke in Australia. Assoc Prof. Mackay’s work is changing the lives of our littlest survivors of stroke. In 2020, the Federal Government announced a $4 million grant for the Paediatric Acute Code Stroke (PACS) study, of which Assoc Prof. Mackay is the chief investigator. It is a landmark study which aims to transform the care of Australian children with stroke by dramatically decreasing time to diagnosis and increasing the number of children receiving emergency stroke treatments more commonly used for adults. This research has the potential to change the way stroke is treated in children nationally for generations to come. Assoc Prof. Mackay is a senior neurologist at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne and a Clinician- Scientist Research Fellow at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and a member of Stroke Foundation’s Clinical Council.
“I am proud to be involved in this research. It is an exciting and much needed step forward in helping our littlest patients with stroke survive, grow and thrive.”
13 Goal 5: Grow our impact and manage our charity effectively and efficiently
270 volunteers 1,480 people took New community Towel Challenge contributed more than part in Stride4Stroke fundraising platform reached 4.2 million 7,000 hours of service. raising $440,000. Fundraise4Stroke people. launched.
In 2020 our amazing supporters and volunteers joined us, standing alongside survivors of stroke, their families, carers, dedicated health professionals and researchers to provide their time, expertise, and financial support.
Together with the experiences of our community The economic impact of stroke report and evidence-based research we will continue our important work and grow our impact to prevent, Stroke Foundation commissioned Deloitte Access treat and beat stroke. We thank everyone in our Economics to deliver The economic impact of stroke incredible stroke community for their tireless in Australia, 2020, quantifying the impact of stroke. efforts in supporting our work. Using financial modelling the report looks at direct health system costs as well as the broader impact of Volunteers short and long-term disability on the community. It also provides roadmaps for focus and investment to change Stroke Foundation volunteers contributed more the course of this disease, highlighting the opportunity than 7,000 hours in 2020. Our volunteer workforce and value in preventing stroke and improving access to continued to show their dedication and commitment stroke treatment. despite an ever-changing environment. With an estimated 27,428 Australians experiencing StrokeSafe Speakers are now presenting sessions stroke for the first time in their lives in 2020, and an online where required, media and public affairs estimated 445,087 survivors of stroke living in the volunteers are working remotely, the Board and community, the economic cost of stroke exceeded all committees and councils have been conducting $6.2 billion. A further $26 billion in lost wellbeing due meetings online. We could not achieve all that we to short and long-term disability, and premature death. do without our volunteers. Reducing uncontrolled high blood pressure and Governance improving access to stroke treatment and care could Since its incorporation in 1996, Stroke Foundation has equate to savings of $179 million over five years in been governed by an independent Board of Directors. economic costs and $2.4 billion in reduced mortality The Board is supported by the expertise of leading and improved wellbeing annually. health professionals in stroke and is informed by survivors of stroke, carers, and their families. Stroke Foundation’s corporate performance is overseen by the Audit, Finance, Investment and Risk His Excellency General the Committee and the Governance and Nominations Honourable David Hurley AC Committee. An Endowment Fund Management DSC (Retd), Governor General and Stroke Foundation Patron, Committee is also in place. launched The economic impact of stroke in Australia, 2020 and No Postcode Untouched reports at a virtual webinar in November 2020.
14 Tasmanian Iconic Walks Stride4Stroke The 3rd Tasmanian Iconic Walks, organised by Jo 1,480 inspiring individuals set an activity goal Cordell Cooper and the TIW committee, saw over 80 in November and covered 121,800 kms to raise participants trek from Tasman Arch to Fortescue Bay: a record breaking $440,000. raising more than $69,000.
Fundraise4Stroke Stroke Foundation launched our new community fundraising platform Fundraise4Stroke.org.au. Get involved #together4stroke #celebrate4stroke #active4stroke #play4stroke
Towel Challenge Australian Survivor All-Star 2020 Stroke Foundation contestants David Genat and Lee Stroke Awards Carseldine approached Stroke Volunteer of the Year Foundation with an idea to honour Jan Lalor Lee’s mum Elizabeth. Jan Lalor is an unsung hero of stroke, tirelessly volunteering her “Hopefully out of something so tragic time at Stroke Foundation for more than 15 years. as losing my mum, something good In 2020, Jan received the Stroke Awards Volunteer of the Year can happen.” award for her incredible generosity and dedication. The ask was simple, get a towel on for a Over the years, Jan has performed many duties to help reduce good cause. Donate or grab a towel and the impact of stroke on the community including packing and take a photo, post it on Instagram with sending thousands of key resources to hospitals, doctors’ #towelchallenge. Participants could also clinics, pharmacies, community groups, survivors of stroke nominate their friends and family to join and the general public. the challenge. The campaign saw survivors of stroke and Australian Survivor contestants “I have always enjoyed volunteering and I have get involved to raise funds and awareness of stroke. The Towel Challenge campaign raised learnt so much from spending time with people over $47,000 and reached an incredible 4.2 who have had stroke and become volunteers million people. themselves.”
15 Financials
The operating result for the 2020 year was › S ecured $1.1m funding over four years for F.A.S.T. a net surplus of $2.0m. (Face. Arms. Speech. Time.), a public awareness and community education campaign which aims The year was dominated by the impact of to teach people the most common signs of stroke. the COVID-19 pandemic. The organisation’s preparedness for such an event was severely › A third endowment fund – ‘Nancy & Vic Allen Stroke tested but proven effective as operational Prevention Memorial Fund Grant’ was launched activity was quickly moved to a remote working dedicated to stroke prevention. environment.
Maintaining the health and wellbeing of our Program support workforce, volunteers and the stroke community 2020 was our top priority as we adjusted marketing and consumer engagement plans to respond to Prevention and COVID-19 related restrictions on public movement. community awareness 40% Initial forecasts of decreased revenue proved Improving stroke accurate in appeals (although revenue reductions care 21% were not as large as initially estimated), however, this was partially alleviated by the government JobKeeper subsidy (six months only). Ultimately, revenue growth Stroke survivor was achieved through the generosity of various support 14% benefactors via increased gifts in wills received. Highlights: Advocacy 8% › S ecured an MRFF Grant of $4.0m over 4 years to deliver the Australian Paediatric Acute Code
Stroke (PACS) study in partnership with the Research 5% Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
Other 12%
Sources of income Donations and Bequests 2020: $19.7m 2020: $13.9m
Donations and Bequests 29% Bequests 71%
Government grants and Appeals and subsidies 25% Fundraising 27%
Investment income 4% Other revenues Events and <1% Community 6% Goods or services Corporates, <1% Trusts and Foundations 2%
Regular Giving 36%
View our full audited financial report at strokefoundation.org.au 16 Team stroke
As Australia’s only national stroke charity, Stroke Award Winners we are privileged to have many talented, We congratulate and honour those who continually go passionate and generous supporters standing above and beyond to make a positive difference for stroke alongside us – and we are immensely grateful. in Australia. We thank our: President’s Achievement Award – Patrons who inspire us. Associate Professor Tim Kleinig (SA) Ambassadors who champion our cause. For a strong commitment to excellence in stroke treatment and Board members who lead and guide us. care and establishing successful Clinical Council who ensure our health professional clinical stroke research programs. resources, guidelines and services are evidence-based. Creative Award – proudly sponsored Research Advisory Committee who guide and support by Marmalade Melbourne our research program. Tony Finneran (NSW) Consumer Council who inform and guide our decisions For writing six pictorial history books through their lived experience of stroke. on Australia’s bus and coach industry. Governments who partner with us to ensure a healthier The books have raised more than Australia and better outcomes for people with stroke. $38,000 for Stroke Foundation. Health services who partner with us to provide Fundraiser of the Year Award – proudly access to evidence-based stroke treatment, care sponsored by Precision Group and rehabilitation services. Matt Picone (TAS) Health professionals who give their time, expertise For fulfilling a goal to conquer a half and commitment to quality stroke treatment and care. marathon shortly after a stroke and raising $24,000 in the process. Our employees who show their passion, commitment and compassion every day in delivering our vision and mission. Courage Award – proudly sponsored Our amazing volunteers who give their time, energy by Medtronic and expertise. Tracey Gibb (SA) Supporters who stand alongside us, survivors of stroke For tenacity and resilience in her and their families, health professionals and researchers. recovery from stroke. Tracey cannot speak or move, however she has learnt Those impacted by stroke and their families who inspire other ways for her voice to be heard. Tracey has educated and drive us to deliver on our mission every day. the community on stroke and communication. We express our heartfelt thanks to you all. Volunteer of the Year Award – proudly Thank you for joining with us to prevent, treat and sponsored by NAB Community . beat stroke Jan Lalor (VIC) For volunteering at Stroke Foundation for 15 years, packing and sending thousands of resources to hospitals, doctors’ clinics, pharmacies, community groups, survivors of stroke and the public.
Improving Life after Stroke Award – proudly sponsored by Australian Physiotherapy Association Ron and Marge Townrow (VIC) For their dedication to raising awareness of stroke through various volunteer roles and helping survivors of stroke re-enter the community.
17 Thank you to all our supporters
Patron-in-Chief Patron Patron Patron Ambassador His Excellency General Mr David Brownbill AM Sir Gustav Nossal AC CBE Lady Marigold Southey AC General the Honourable the Honourable David Sir Peter Cosgrove Hurley AC DSC (Retd) AK CVO MC (Retd)
President Health Promotion Advisory Governance and Auditors Professor James Angus AO Committee Nominations Committee Pitcher Partners Associate Professor Seana Gall, Ms Karen Vernon, Chair Vice President Chair Professor James Angus AO Honorary Life Members Mr Christopher Edwards Mr Paul Leeds Dr Siobhan Hickling Ms Sally Bateman Mr Michael Hill Directors Professor Corneel Vandelanotte Mr Christopher Edwards Professor David Thomas Mr David Brownbill AM Professor Amanda Thrift Professor Linda Krisjanson AO Professor Bruce Campbell Professor Mark Harris (appointed 29 October 2020) Sir Gustav Nossal AC CBE Ms Jennifer Muller PSM Professor Simone Pettigrew Lady Marigold Southey AC Research Advisory Professor Christopher Bladin Councillor Karen Vernon Mr Nic Stephen Committee Professor Christopher Levi Ms Sally Bateman Consumer Council Professor Amanda Thrift, Chair Dr John Lill OAM Mr Christopher Edwards Ms Jennifer Muller PSM, Chair Ms Brenda Booth OAM Professor Stephen Davis AM Mr Andrew Matthews Ms Julie Collins Professor Simon Koblar Mr William Forrest AM Mr James Stanistreet Ms Nadia Moffatt OAM Dr Caleb Ferguson (resigned 17 July 2020) Mr Andrew Buckle OAM Mr Kevin English Associate Professor Mr Christopher Nunn Emma Power Professor Richard Lindley Mr Tony Finneran Ms Janice Thomas Professor Ian Kneebone Professor Richard Larkins AO Mr Tony Rolfe Professor Linda Krisjanson AO Associate Professor Mr Peter Mitchell AM Ms Saran Chamberlain (appointed 29 October 2020) Nadine Andrew We remember and Mr Nic Stephen Professor Mark Nelson acknowledge Mr Peter Clinical Council (Deputy Chair) Dr Eleanor Horton Mitchell AM who sadly Professor Bruce Campbell, Ms Kim Beesley passed away in 2020. Chair Professor Sandra Eades (appointed 29 October 2020) Professor Julie Bernhardt AM Dr Rohan Grimley Ms Jasmina Behlic Endowment Fund Dr Erin Lalor AM Professor Susan Hillier Management Committee (appointed 29 October 2020) Professor Geoffrey Donnan AO Dr Claire Muller Mr Andrew Matthews, Chair Audit, Finance, Investment Professor Amanda Thrift Associate Professor and Risk Committee Erin Godecke Mr Christopher Edwards, Chair Professor Coralie English Ms Skye Coote Mr Peter Fekete Mrs Lynette Glendinning Dr Timothy Ang Mr Alan Lahiff Ms Janice Thomas (appointed Professor Natasha Lannin 25 June 2020) Mr Andrew Matthews Professor Steven Faux Ms Ava-May Morgan (resigned Mr Christopher Nunn Associate Professor Seana Gall 25 September 2020) Associate Professor Company Secretary Mark Mackay Mr John Buchanan Associate Professor (resigned 5 May 2020) Martin Jude OAM Mr Matthew Oakey (appointed 6 May 2020)
18 Major partners
Supporting partners Website partners
AllClear Travel Insurance Marmalade Melbourne Australian Government Western Australian Arnold Bloch Leibler The Minyaka Fund and National Disability Insurance Department of Health enableme.org.au Australian Physiotherapy Weston Street United Agency (NDIA) Information, New South Wales Association Masonic Fund, charitable Linkages and Capacity Department of Health fund accounts of the Building (ILC) Bell Charitable Fund Lord Mayor’s Charitable Department of Industry, Health and charity partners Blue Label Foundation Innovation and Science – Cancer Council Victoria Bristol-Myers Squibb NAB Community Medical Research Future Cochrane Australia & Pfizer Alliance Newcastle Permanent Fund (MRFF) Emerging Diabetes Australia Campari Australia Charitable Foundation Priorities and Consumer (Queensland) Collier Charitable Fund Driven Research (EPCDR) Murdoch Children’s O’Brien Accountants Initiative Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Advisors Research Institute MRFF Cardiovascular National Heart Foundation The Elizabeth & Barry Davies Omron Health Mission Charitable OzCad Department of Social Key Alliances Foundation Popsockets Services Australian Chronic Disease Fairbrother Foundation RMBL Investments Pty Ltd Prevention Alliance (ACDPA) informme.org.au Fired Up Group State Government Australian Living Evidence Russel & George Australian Capital Territory J.J Richards Waste Consortium Superfluid Government & Recycling Australian Stroke Alliance Wisewould Mahony Queensland Health LaTrobe Valley Bus Lines Australian Stroke Coalition Tasmanian Department of World Stroke Organization Health and Human Services
Gifts in Wills Bethel Monks Mostyn Family Team Motivational Natalie Dunn Dinesh Perera Supporters Joy Moore Foundation Sneakers Tye Hambleton Leah Price We were very Margery Moore Mrs Sylvia Miller Matt Picone (Captain) Janene Facer Olivia Rattray-Wood grateful to receive Joan Neumann Graham & Pam Andy Cunningham Nicola Zammit Carolyn Russell generous gifts from Nock Foundation the following Shirley Nicholas Sam Webster Janette Grant Ranjit S Sanghe Mr Olaf O’Duill wonderful supporters Maxwell Parkinson Massimo Mele Team Regis Malika Senaratna who thoughtfully Clifford Priestley Mr & Mrs David Ash & Adam Running Stan Veloutsos (Captain) Liz Shaw included a gift in & Glenys Overton Beryl Raymer in Quarantine Yvonne Abell Melissa Shaw their Will to Stroke Annie & John Paterson Adam Hills Foundation. Allan Rowling Sophie Andritsos Scott Sherratt Foundation Ash Van Wensveen Jeanette Alfredson Anna Marie Schaepman Miss Jane Rich Thanushi Ariyasiri Ricky Solanky Maureen Anderson Arthur Sherriff Towel Challenge Helen Bagnall Sam Somarathne Mr James Rolfe Lee Carseldine Mary Austin Dorothy Slaney Kerrin Barassi Stan Veloutsos Ms Jill Ross-Perrier David Genat Pauline Barritt John Stackpool The Russell Foundation Kellie Barbaro Nicola Watt Elaine Bobbin Alan Steele Pty Ltd Kuts for Kev Geraldine Beagan Mitch Webster Jack Catswood-Pyper Anna Maria Bonanno Valerie Stockwell Mrs Dianne Shakespeare Amanda Brabon Ranjan Weerasinghe Nola Bren Gertrude Tatzel Mrs R Slaughter Stride4Stroke David Buthlay Meg Willis Leonard Bridges Doreen Taylor Lady Marigold Southey Team G Love Soong Kiang Chng Chloe Zinner Misha Cadzow (Captain) Robert Burden Valerie Thorburn AC Marion Cole Training with mates Mieke Franzen Helen Burgess Nancy Valentine The Sun Foundation Roslyn Cooper Daniel Maitland (Captain) Pty Ltd Jamie Samuels Clarence Burke Elsie Walker Helen Davey Sophie Amerena Ms Jennifer Tatchell Jeremy Cadzow Mary Davie Gregory Walker Fiona de Vries Phil Carew Mr Gregory Vaughan Emma Hughes Betty Dickinson Donald Watson Jessica Feild Eliza Crane Wheatley Family Hayley Gamblin Robert Donnan Peter Webb Carol Fox Stuart Davies Foundation Tim Franzen Maria Draho Reta Williams Anna Franklin Connor Downie Mrs Jean Williamson Tom Samuels Elaine Dray Joan Willis Jacinta Goldsack Will & Emile Mr & Mrs Leo Xanthe Franzen The Late James Fairfax AC Eleanor Wood Sawitree Hasiri Malcolm Gamble & Ann Browne Tracey Sinay George Fitchie Major Donors Tracey Hollywood Brooke Goulding Counterstroke Golf Little Stroke Warriors Keith Fountain Mr Michael Ahrens Classic Committee Jessica Hood Rhian Graco Dee Banks (Captain) Barbara Fuller-Quinn Mr & Mrs Geoff & Dee Clements Renee Horvat Amy Lennon Deb Mcpherson Heidi Goldstein Robin Aubourg (Co-Chair) Przemyslaw Jozwiak Wes Lian Amy Osborne Francis Goudge Mr & Mrs Leo Chris Reilly Sally Kalaiarasu Daniel Maitland & Ann Browne Hayley Newberry Nancy Graeme-Evans (Co-Chair) Gael Keillor Kirby Marks Mr & Mrs Ian Robyn Virgona Richard Graham Helen Angus Sayana Kodippily Sam McBain & Barbara Butler Jessica Curtis Cecelia Gurowski Libby Cotton Alexi Lawes Joel Mckee Mr Neville Castles Sandy Hoskin Rosemary Hope Ross Eddy Audrey Lee Mikaela Morgan The Ronald Alan Jodie Ratcliff Feryne Hunter Caroline Ennels Hazel Mango Bec Neaves Curry Trust Carolyn Harrison Louise Kilpatrick Ian Gardner Natalie Matthews Vikki Octigan Miss Jane Farrell Kiara Maieron Norma Lang Graeme Hall Annie McMullan Jackson Peet Dianne & Giorgio Lydia Whiteside Mildred Lapthorne Gjergja Major Community Colleen Milan Stephanie Peet Fundraisers Jasmine Hodge Barbara Le Gros Dr Michael Gronow Kayla Miller Joshua Rochford Tasmania Iconic Walks Dylan Sloman Robert Lettich Mr & Mrs William Rachel Morel Ciara Scott Committee Tricia Brown Maureen Lister & Alison Hayward Fahad Muhammad Paul Silberer Jo Cordell-Cooper Kylie Facer Raymond Maher The Halifax Foundation Nikita Murphy Michael Skaftouros Marg Marshall Ellen Maieron Heinz Mahl Dr Margaret Harding Mazino Onibere Natasha Sneddon Melinda Williams Renee Facer Joan March The Kerridge Foundation Irene Pacheco Eleyne Spencer Linda Britts Judy Anshaw Mrs Matheson King Family Foundation Akriti Pant Mitchell Stoneman Ltd Caroline Gray Mathew Facer Leslie Maurer Ketan Parmar Jorja Strack Ms Robin Manning Rani Milne Jess Rutherford Valerie McDonald Nishant Patel Sophie Virtue Mr Robin McCosker Linda Wickes Ian McLean Tarpan Patel Meaghan Zervaas
19 Contact us 1300 194 196 strokefoundation.org.au /strokefoundation @strokefdn @strokefdn
How to get more involved Give time – become a volunteer. Raise funds – donate or hold a fundraising event. Speak up – join our advocacy team. Leave a lasting legacy – include a gift in your Will. Know your numbers – check your health regularly. Stay informed – keep up-to-date and share our message.
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