A Stroke Foundation volunteer who has helped educate hundreds has been rewarded for her efforts at the 2024 Stroke Awards.
Toni Arfaras, from Narre Warren North, was named the winner of the Volunteer of the Year category at a ceremony in Melbourne on Friday.
Since her own stroke in 2013, Toni has been determined to use her lived experience, as well as her skills from years of teaching, to help educate others.
“It is very rewarding being able to connect with others out in the community,” Toni said.
“For me, giving StrokeSafe talks is a way I can give back to the community, and if I can put a few of my skills to use, while saving a life, or preventing disability, then it’s worth my while.”
The Stroke Awards celebrate the unsung heroes in our community who go above and beyond to improve the lives of Australians affected by stroke. This includes the survivors of stroke, carers, volunteers, fundraisers, health professionals, researchers, and members of the community.
The Volunteer of the Year category recognises those outstanding volunteers whose dedicated service has made a significant difference.
Toni became a StrokeSafe Speaker in 2016. In 2023 alone, she delivered 34 talks, and travelled 2,400 kilometres to complete them. This year, she has already booked 33 talks and plans to travel more than 4,000 kilometres. Toni is also a member of the Stroke Foundation Consumer Council, and the Young Stroke Lived Experience Working Group.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, said Toni is an asset to the organisation.
“Without dedicated volunteers like Toni, Stroke Foundation simply wouldn’t exist. Toni works tirelessly out in the community to ensure more people know how to recognise and prevent a stroke,” she said.
“It’s fantastic to see that Toni is able to use many of her skills to deliver such engaging and educational talks. We’re so lucky to have her.”
The finalists for the Volunteer of the Year award were:
- Toni Arfaras – VIC
- John Stevens – TAS
- Janet Weir – SA
There are eight categories in total: Warrior, Improving Life After Stroke, Creative, Courage, First Nations Stroke Excellence, Fundraiser of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and President’s Achievement.
The 2024 Stroke Awards are supported by Medtronic, Abbvie, Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), Ipsen, NAB, Precision Connect and Worrells.
