Stroke Foundation is proud to announce the finalists of the 2025 National Stroke Awards, recognising the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations making a difference in stroke prevention, treatment, recovery and advocacy.
The National Stroke Awards shine a spotlight on the everyday heroes across the stroke community - survivors, carers, health professionals, researchers, volunteers, advocates and First Nations leaders - whose commitment, creativity and courage help move Australia towards a future with fewer strokes, better outcomes and support and care for all.
2025 Finalists (by category)
Courage Award - proudly sponsored by Ipsen:
- Glenn Browne - Frankston, VIC
- Om Guragai - Evanston Gardens, SA
- Lexie Tomolillo - South Morang VIC
Creative Award - proudly sponsored by Worrells:
- Antonia (Toni) Arfaras - Narre Warren North, VIC
- Jennifer Houghton - Ross, TAS
- Steven Roberts - Freemans Waterhole, NSW
First Nations Stroke Excellence Award - proudly sponsored by AstraZeneca:
- Joe Miller - Tamworth, NSW
- Kieron Pierce - Perth, WA
- Amy Thompson and the Reimagining F.A.S.T. Project Team - Greenhill, NSW
Fundraiser of the Year Stroke Award - proudly sponsored by Precision Connect:
- Jack Buckley - Wollongong, NSW
- Nichole McKilliam - Banksia Beach, QLD
- Ryan Webber - Cronulla, NSW
Improving Life After Stroke Award - proudly sponsored by AbbVie:
- Saran Chamberlain - Stepney, SA
- Julie Davey - McCrae, VIC
- Tony Finneran - Padstow, NSW
Stroke Care Champion Award - proudly sponsored by Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA):
- Tanya Frost - Vermont South, VIC
- Prof Natasha Lannin - Caulfield South, VIC
- Lester Milan - Malvern, VIC
Volunteer of the Year Award:
- Stephen Jones - Faulconbridge, NSW
- Gideon Meltzer - St Kilda East, VIC
- Michael Whittle - Acton Park, TAS
Warrior Award - proudly sponsored by Cboe:
- Alexis Kalofonos - Gold Coast, QLD
- Georgia Peacock, Wandana Heights, VIC
- Caleb Wallace - Wodonga, VIC
Stroke Foundation CEO Dr Lisa Murphy said, "We were deeply moved and inspired by the strength, vision and compassion shown in the nominations this year. These finalists represent the best of Australia's stroke community and remind us that every step forward in awareness, care and recovery matters."
About the National Stroke Awards
The National Stroke Awards celebrate the remarkable individuals who make a difference in the stroke community - from carers, families and friends to health professionals, researchers, advocates and people with lived experience. The Awards highlight the compassion, resilience and innovation driving progress in stroke prevention, treatment and recovery. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Melbourne on Wednesday October 29 which is World Stroke Day and hosted by Australian sailor Jessica Watson OAM.
The National Stroke Awards are proudly supported by:
