Three health professionals making a real difference in the lives of survivors of stroke have been named finalists in the Stroke Care Champion category at the 2026 National Stroke Awards.
Recognising excellence in stroke care, the award honours health professionals and researchers who go above and beyond to improve outcomes and support people impacted by stroke.
Selected from 93 nominations across six categories, Bronwyn Coulton from Melbourne, Casey Hair from Ballarat and Associate Professor Elizabeth Lynch from Adelaide have been recognised as finalists in the Stroke Care Champion category.
Nurse Practitioner Bronwyn Coulton has more than two decades of experience in stroke care. She was recognised for developing Austin Health's Nurse Practitioner-led Transient Ischaemic Attack Rapid Access (TIARA) Clinic, which for more than a decade has provided rapid specialist assessment and secondary prevention for people with suspected TIA and minor stroke.
Casey Hair was honoured for her commitment to increasing community awareness and empowering families to recognise the signs of stroke early. Since 2015, Casey has been the Victorian Stroke Telemedicine Site Coordinator at Grampians Health Ballarat, supporting timely access to specialist stroke expertise across regional Victoria.
Associate Professor Elizabeth (Liz) Lynch was recognised for her work as a physiotherapist and stroke rehabilitation researcher. Liz has contributed to national survivor-led stroke research priorities, educational resources for people with lived experience and researchers, and accessible digital health innovations designed to meet the diverse needs of survivors of stroke.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy said the three Stroke Care Champion award finalists exemplified the dedication and innovation needed to improve stroke outcomes across Australia.
"Behind every positive stroke outcome are passionate and dedicated health professionals working to deliver the best possible care and support," Dr Murphy said.
"These are the people working on the frontline of stroke care. Their work is helping to shape a better future for survivors of stroke, their families and carers.
"We congratulate Bronwyn, Casey and Liz on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for the lasting difference they are making in the lives of people affected by stroke."
