The Stroke Foundation is seeking to uncover the inspirational unsung heroes making life better for Australia’s stroke community.

Nominations for the 2017 Stroke Care Champion Award are now open, shining a light on health professionals and researchers working tirelessly to improve the lives of survivors, their families and carers.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said the Award recognised outstanding Australians dedicated to treating, supporting and advocating for stroke survivors and the broader stroke community.

“One in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime and there is one stroke in this country every 10 minutes. It happens in an instant, changing lives and its effects can be devastating,’’ Ms McGowan said.

“Helping stroke survivors and their families and carers negotiate the days, weeks and months after a stroke is vital work in our community.

“We want to acknowledge and celebrate the amazing health professionals and researchers who carry out this important work and improve the state of stroke in our country.”

The Stroke Care Champion Award is held by the Stroke Foundation in conjunction with the Stroke Society of Australasia. The Award is open to health professionals and researchers who have demonstrated a long term commitment of at least five years in the field of stroke.

Nominations close Friday 30 June.

The winner will be announced at Stroke 2017: The 27th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Stroke Society of Australasia in Queenstown, New Zealand in August.

Ms McGowan encouraged community members to nominate health professionals and researchers making a difference.

“Every day we see incredible examples of people going above and beyond to lessen the significant burden stroke places on our community,” she said.

“The Stroke Care Champion Award is one of the ways people can advocate for better systems, processes and resources to help health professionals deliver best practice care and draw attention to the vital work researchers are doing in the field of stroke.

“I would encourage people to nominate the stroke champions in their community.”

To nominate for the 2017 Stroke Care Champion Award, go to www.strokefoundation.com.au.

Nominations for further Stroke Foundation Stroke Awards including the Improving Life After Stroke Award, Creative Award, Fundraiser of the Year Award and Courage Award are set to open in August.