Community unites for World Stroke Day Morning Tea

City of Newcastle, in collaboration with the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), held its annual Lord Mayor’s World Stroke Day Morning Tea at Newcastle Museum this morning.

The event brought together community members, researchers, and stroke survivors for a morning of learning and conversations, aimed at raising awareness about stroke prevention, detection, and recovery.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, i-REBOUND program developer Meredith Burke, Professor Coralie English and Kim Beesley stand behind as Professor Beata Bajorek checks stroke survivor and advocate Emma Beesleys blood pressure. This was a free service facilitated for all community members at today's event.  

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, a retired anaesthetist with 40 years of experience, emphasised the importance of addressing health disparities within the region.

"Newcastle is fortunate to have some of the most talented clinicians in the country working in stroke prevention and treatment, and it's been said that Newcastle is the safest place in Australia to have a stroke,” Cr Kerridge said. 

“Unfortunately, our community faces some of the highest rates of cardiovascular disease in the country. Partnering with HMRI allows us to highlight local research and ensure Novocastrians have access to life-saving information and resources."

The morning featured insightful talks from HMRI researchers and stroke survivors, who shared their experiences and discussed new developments in stroke treatment and rehabilitation. 

Stroke remains the leading cause of long-term adult disability in Australia, with someone experiencing a stroke every 19 minutes. In NSW alone, around 19,000 people suffer a stroke each year, with a significant proportion from regional and rural areas.

Attendees gained valuable knowledge on recognising stroke symptoms and understanding what to do in an emergency, while also learning about lifestyle strategies to reduce stroke risk. 

Professor Coralie English, HMRI’s Deputy Director, Heart and Stroke Program and expert in stroke research at the University of Newcastle, highlighted that community awareness is essential in preventing strokes. 

"Eighty percent of strokes can be prevented, but many people are unaware of the risk factors or the importance of early detection," Professor English said. 

"Sharing the latest research and prevention strategies helps our community take proactive steps towards healthier lives."

The event also explored HMRI's innovative work in stroke prevention, emergency treatments, recovery, and wellbeing, including the iREBOUND program, which supports stroke survivors in their rehabilitation journey. 

As a leader in clot-busting therapies, the Hunter region continues to make significant strides in advancing recovery outcomes for stroke patients.

City of Newcastle remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve health outcomes and promote awareness across the region.