Leading a National, Systems‑Wide Response to Epilepsy
With more than 270,000 people living with epilepsy across Australia, Epilepsy Action Australia plays a national leadership role in transforming how epilepsy is understood, supported and responded to. We deliver specialist services directly to individuals and families, while also acting as a system enabler and change agent, strengthening capability, safety and inclusion across health, disability, education, employment and community systems nationwide.
Our work brings together frontline service delivery, specialist epilepsy nursing expertise, lived experience and system‑level leadership. This unique combination allows us not only to support people affected by epilepsy in their daily lives, but also to influence how services are designed, workforces are trained, and systems respond, so safer, more inclusive epilepsy‑responsive practice becomes the norm.
We support people with epilepsy through family‑focused psychoeducation, building the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to live safely, independently and as well as possible. At the same time, we equip parents, teachers, employers, carers, support workers, doctors and nurses with the understanding, resources and practical tools they need to respond safely, reduce preventable risk and provide consistent, informed support.
As the oldest and leading provider of epilepsy services in Australia, we focus on strengthening self‑management, increasing public understanding, and driving improvement at scale. Through partnerships, advocacy and research leadership, we contribute to national progress in epilepsy care, treatment and inclusion, helping to address stigma and ensure people with epilepsy can live meaningful and independent lives.
Breadth of Quality Services
Our comprehensive national service offering, underpinned by deep clinical, lived and systems expertise, supports people across all aspects of epilepsy, from seizure management and safety to psychological, social and emotional wellbeing. These services are designed not only to meet individual needs, but to build capability across the systems that surround people with epilepsy.
As Australia’s national authority on epilepsy, Epilepsy Action Australia aims to improve and save lives through:
- A nationwide network of specialist Epilepsy Nurses, delivering education and services via telephone, online platforms, teleconferencing and in the community
- Individualised service and seizure management plans, supporting consistent, safe responses across settings
- Online access to trusted information, resources and self‑management tools
- Psychoeducation focused on social and emotional wellbeing
- Access to a network of specialist providers and referral pathways
- Seminars and webinars for individuals, families, professionals and communities
Many of our services are purpose‑designed for specific groups, including children and young people, parents and carers, newly diagnosed individuals, teenagers, older people, disability support workers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, reflecting our commitment to equity, cultural responsiveness and inclusion.
Leading Education and Training
Through our Online Academy and specialist education programs, Epilepsy Action Australia builds epilepsy‑responsive capability within the workforce and the broader community. Our training supports safer seizure responses, consistent practice and reduced avoidable harm.
Courses range from general epilepsy awareness for people with epilepsy and their families, to accredited and specialist training for health professionals, disability support workers and community staff. By strengthening workforce competence and confidence, we help ensure epilepsy is understood and managed safely wherever people live, learn and work.
At the Forefront of Research and Innovation
As Australia’s largest and longest‑standing provider of specialist epilepsy services, Epilepsy Action Australia is actively involved in, and supports research into diagnosis, treatment and effective system responses. We work closely with research partners to support research initiatives and clinical trials, including sustained involvement and major financial support for over a decade of the Australian Pregnancy Register for Women on Antiepileptic Medications, which has informed safer prescribing practices to reduce foetal malformations. We are recognised as a reliable partner in engaging and supporting people with epilepsy and their families to participate in research, and collaborate across sectors to inform emerging therapy options, and strengthen translation into practice.
Our research partnerships ensure lived experience and frontline insights inform innovation, driving improvements that translate into real‑world impact for people with epilepsy.
Building National Awareness and Inclusion
Despite progress, stigma, fear and misunderstanding about epilepsy still exist. Through national awareness campaigns, community education and seizure first‑aid training, we are changing attitudes and building understanding across Australia.
By combining specialist services with system‑level leadership, Epilepsy Action Australia is helping to replace stigma and discrimination with knowledge, confidence and compassion, creating safer, more inclusive communities for everyone affected by epilepsy.
“It is estimated that over 270,000 Australians are living with epilepsy and over 3% of Australians will experience the condition at some point in their lives.”
