Last updated on 19/12/2023

 

As we approach the end of 2023, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank you all for being a part of our Asthma Australia community.  

We exist because people’s lives are still restricted by asthma. In Australia, 2.7 million people live with asthma. With social and environmental factors fuelling the prevalence and burden of asthma, we know we can and must do better to ensure everyone can access appropriate services.   

Throughout the year, we have continued to focus on delivering positive outcomes and making a difference in the lives of people with asthma: 

  • By identifying the questions that matter most to people with asthma, their carers and those treating them – we developed a National Asthma Research Agenda, 10 asthma research priorities which will guide our research focus over the coming years.  
  • Through working with the local community the Asthma Community Connector was born. This is a person with asthma, employed in the local community and trained to provide peer to peer support to help people with asthma navigate their local health services.  
  • To address the disparate health outcomes of First Nations people we are building a workplace that is inclusive and welcoming for First Nations employees and partners. We demonstrated our commitment to Reconciliation, embarking on a cultural learning journey and launching our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan. 
  • In response to community feedback and a Royal Commission, we piloted our AirSmart public education campaign and app, with results strongly demonstrating the community want real time, local air quality to help navigate smoke and other pollutants.  

Through this work and more, we are confident we’re on the right path. With continued determination, focus and commitment we will improve the lives of people with asthma.  

I’d like to thank you all for your continued support and wish you a happy and healthy festive season.  

Michele Goldman  

CEO