Home Get involved Donate & fundraise Support research guided by the people who understand arthritis best

Support research guided by the people who understand arthritis best

Millions of Australians of all ages live with all forms of arthritis, each with their own unique needs and experiences. Plus, there are millions more family members who witness their daily struggles.

What if arthritis research involved the people who understand arthritis best—those who live with it every day?

This powerful question drives everything we do at Arthritis Australia, whether you’re personally managing arthritis or supporting someone you love through their pain journey.

From people across the arthritis community…

“My hands don’t work as well anymore. Fine tasks are getting harder, opening anything fiddly is an impossibility and I get the ‘dropsies’ a lot. Then there’s the pain on top of all the inconvenience.”

- Cindy

“Arthritis is not taken seriously. It’s downplayed. Trying to explain to others the good days and bad, is a waste of time it seems.”

- Tanya

“It is never ending. Pain killers do not work, so one is constantly trying something new, searching for that ‘silver bullet.’”

- Alan

“I am finding limited understanding of our disability and the long-term needs associated with it. It is beyond frustrating.”

- Justine

Our work is independent from pharmaceutical funding, so we can focus on people, not profits.
When people with lived experience of arthritis guide our research, it means:

More effective treatments
Understanding experiences helps researchers target the symptoms that most affect daily life. This has led to pain management techniques that combine medication with physical therapy specifically designed for different types of arthritis, rather than generic approaches that don’t address individual needs.

Holistic support systems
Beyond medical interventions, we develop resources that address the full spectrum of living with arthritis. This includes workplace modification guides that help people continue their careers, mental health resources that address the emotional impact of chronic pain, and community connection programs that combat isolation.

Research that benefits future generations
Research grounded in real-life experiences has already transformed arthritis care—from a time just a few decades ago when effective treatments were scarce, to the development of advanced biologic therapies in recent years. You help pave the way for research that will benefit future generations, ensuring even greater progress for those yet to come

"If we want to reduce the number of unnecessary surgeries, unnecessary opioids, we've really got to think about how we can deliver allied healthcare better to the people who need it – so they can live their best lives."

Dr David Liew, Medical Director at Arthritic Australia

Please donate now to help free Australians from arthritis by supporting research guided by those who understand it best.

Your kind donation to Arthritis Australia is tax-deductible.

Frequently asked questions

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. All donations of $2 and over are tax-deductible.

Will I get a receipt for my donation?

Yes. You will receive a receipt when you make a donation, please ensure that the email address entered in accurate.

How do I track my tax deduction/s?

The ATO app makes it easier and more convenient to keep your tax deductions and income records all in one place.

Individuals claiming general or employee work-related expenses can use the tool. Sole traders with simple affairs can also use it to help keep track of their business income and expenses.

You can download the ATO app from any of the following places: