What a year! Here's a look at our 2019 highlights. But first, a quick note from our CEO:

Season’s Greetings!

As this year draws to a close, my thoughts and prayers are with those families who are struggling with water shortages, drought and fire across regional and rural Australia.
 

This has been a year of impact and we are able to reflect on the success of our advocacy efforts – especially with the launch of the National Strategic Action Plan for Arthritis, and the subsequent funding announcements. Arthritis Australia has been very busy establishing effective collaborations in order to submit funding applications with partner organisations which we believe will make a real difference to the lives of people living with these debilitating conditions.
 

The Arthritis Australia National Research Grants Program has committed around $800,000 in grants funding to exciting new research projects, as well as scholarships and fellowships for researchers in 2020. In addition, we are funding a paediatric rheumatology training scholarship to help address the shortage of paediatric rheumatologists in Australia. All of which builds the knowledge and capacity of our invaluable researchers and healthcare professionals. We are very grateful to so many individual donors and organisations for their vital, ongoing support to these grants programs.  
 

Our impact is also measured by the many arthritis consumers who visit our various websites for information – the Arthritis Australia website has doubled in visitor numbers over the past year. The wonderful staff at the state and territory Affiliate arthritis offices do an amazing job of dealing directly with consumer enquiries - from managing the National Arthritis Info Line, to providing education events and fitness activities for people living with arthritis – empowering people with their knowledge and insights.
 

Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the tireless efforts of our Board of Directors, led by our Chair, Kristine Riethmiller, and the dedication and support of our wonderful staff, without whom we would not achieve so much.

Very best regards and Merry Christmas to you!

Andrew Mills

Chief Executive Officer, Arthritis Australia