Australian of the Year

Dr Dayna Pool is widely recognised as a leader in neurological rehabilitation whose pioneering work is transforming the treatment of children and young adults living with neurological conditions and injuries. 

Dayna founded the Healthy Strides Foundation, a not-for-profit facility that focuses on developing intensive, evidence-based rehabilitation therapies developed on the latest research. Her fundraising and campaigning for the Foundation resulted in the installation of Australia’s first intelligent zero-gravity mobility system to help patients in their rehabilitation treatment. The success of the Healthy Strides approach has seen it also establish clinics in Singapore and Malaysia. 

Alongside her clinical practice, Dayna is co-creator of the popular ResearchWorks podcast, focusing on the latest research from clinicians and disability advocates. She is also developing a Healthy Strides Community Hub to support young people with mobility challenges as they transition out of paediatric care. 

Dayna’s focus on advancing neurological rehabilitation therapies is paving the way for young people and their families to achieve independence and gain meaningful participation in daily life.