A New Model
Hi, I’m Michael, and I’m a stroke survivor.
Rebuilding Stroke Support After COVID
Just over a year ago, I joined the board of the Stroke Association of Victoria (SAV).
Before COVID-19, SAV had the backing of government grants. With that funding, we maintained five regional stroke support centres across Victoria, staffed by a mix of full-time and part-time employees.
Then the pandemic hit. Budgets were slashed. Government coffers dried up at every level. The funding disappeared — and with it, the existing model.
Rethinking the Value We Provide
As a board, we knew we couldn’t rely on government grants any longer. So we went back to basics. What was our true value proposition?
We identified three critical stages in a stroke survivor’s journey:
Hospitalisation – when the stroke occurs
Initial Rehab – usually coordinated by the admitting hospital
Ongoing Rehab and Support – self-managed and self-funded by the stroke survivor
It was clear that stage 3 was the biggest gap, especially in regional and rural areas. Survivors and their carers are often left to fend for themselves, with little support from health services or peer groups.
That’s where we decided to focus: helping deliver Regional Stroke Recovery Centres (RSRCs) across Victoria.
The Reality: No Money, No Staff
We had a plan — but not the funding to execute it.
Then we looked closer at what had worked in the past. In several towns, we’d seen remarkable progress when we found a local champion — someone who had both lived experience and community ties.
We called this person: “the guy.”
The Local Militia Model
“The guy” (or woman) is often someone with a public profile: a former mayor, councillor, school principal, or community leader. They’ve had a stroke, they’re known in their town, and they care deeply about helping others on the same path.
With their network and credibility, we could:
Secure a room in a local medical centre or community hub
Promote the group through local media
Rally volunteers and support organisations
Launch a stroke recovery centre — without needing major funding
We started calling this approach the “local militia” model — grassroots, community-driven, and practical.
Where It’s Working
Using this model, we’ve already established fortnightly stroke support groups in Wonthaggi and Cowes on Phillip Island.
We’re actively building teams in Geelong and Ballarat, and gaining traction in other regional centres.
Recently, I met with regional MPs — including Tim Bull from Gippsland East—to ask for help. Not for money — but for connections.
We’re asking MPs to link us with:
Local health services
Volunteer networks
A space to meet
It’s often easier for a local MP to help in this way than to get something into the State Budget.
Thank You to the People Behind the Progress
To everyone — volunteers, MPs, clinicians, survivors — who has helped us make Regional Stroke Recovery Centres a reality: thank you.
Your effort is creating safe spaces for stroke survivors and carers to connect, heal, and move forward — especially in places where support is hardest to find.
Let’s keep building.