Freemasons donation to expand NT stroke rehabilitation program

Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Health Hub Upper Limb Bootcamp program received a $60,000 donation from Freemasons SA & NT. 
 

The funding will help expand intensive stroke rehabilitation services in Darwin. 

The five-week rehabilitation bootcamps provide intensive therapy designed to improve arm and hand function for stroke survivors. 
 

The program is delivered by supervised occupational therapy students. Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Dominic Upton highlighted that this provides valuable hands-on training for the future Northern Territory health workforce while helping address gaps in rehabilitation services. 
 

“The funding enables CDU to deliver specialised services to the community we operate in, while enhancing our students learning and showing them the real-world impacts they will have in their healthcare careers,” Professor Dominic Upton said. 
 

Freemasons SA & NT Grand Master William Merrill said the funding reflected the organisation’s commitment to supporting practical health initiatives that deliver long-term benefits for Territorians. 
 

“This program delivers practical benefits for stroke survivors while also helping develop the next generation of Northern Territory health professionals,” Mr Merrill said. 
 

“Supporting initiatives that strengthen local healthcare capability and improve access to health services is an important priority for Freemasons SA & NT.” 
 

The funding also recognises the program as one of the few providers of high-intensity rehabilitation services for stroke survivors in the Northern Territory. 
 

“Many Territorians have limited access to ongoing rehabilitation services once hospital-based care ends,” Mr Merrill said.  
 

“This funding will help ensure stroke survivors can continue receiving affordable therapy and support.”