About us

Who We Are

Whirled Foundation is a voluntary non-profit organisation dedicated to assisting individuals living with vertigo and chronic imbalance and dizziness problems – sometimes described as like living in a constant merrygoround whirl when dizzy episodes [attacks] are happening.

The word “vertigo” comes from late middle English “whirling” and Latin verter ‘to turn’.

Why We Exist

Vestibular disorders are a major cause of feeling dizzy and off balance – a common health complaint. Individuals talk of experiencing sensations such as spinning, light headedness, giddiness, dizzy spells, unsteadiness and loss of balance. It is very distressing. When golfer Jason Day suffered a vertigo attack at the USA Open, a sports doctor described a vertigo attack as “worse than a stroke.”

The challenge of vestibular disorders is that they are hard to diagnose, there is generally no cure and large numbers of people are affected. E.g. One million Australians. Around 5% of the population will experience a vertigo attack. It is an emerging public health priority.

Want to know more? Read the Vestibular Challenge.

What We Do

1. We provide information, support and understanding about the common causes of vertigo and dizziness, focussing on vestibular disorders OR inner ear balance problems.
2. We seek to promote community awareness of the impact of vertigo and the various underlying vestibular disorders such as Menieres disease, BBPV, Vestibular Neuritis and Vestibular Migraine.
3. We work collaboratively with health professionals seeking to improve clinical pathways and identify evidence based patient information and support.
4. We encourage research into causes of vertigo and better means of diagnosis, treatment and coping strategies.
5. We seek international co-operation in seeking better services and support to those having and to cope with the impact of chronic vertigo and imbalance in their lives.
6. We invite membership and involvement from individuals, carers, health professionals and supporters.
7. We depend on membership income and general donations [including bequests] to maintain and develop our services and support.

Join US

Read more in the Annual Report

Our History

Whirled Foundation was born in the lounge room of one Menieres disease sufferer who wanted to make a difference. Today it has evolved into a national organisation with International links focussing on helping all with vestibular disorders.

Our Mission

Our vision is that by 2025, Vestibular Disorders will be a recognised major health problem and those living with a vestibular disorder will have a level of community recognition and access to quality medical health care and consumer information comparable to that currently available to people living with other major chronic conditions, e.g. depression, cancer, asthma and diabetes.

Our Values

We aim to :-

• be an open, transparent collaborative group of individuals
• provide exceptional support and understanding to Members
• identify and promote evidence based information and support to individuals suffering from chronic imbalance
• deliver efficient and effective services
• practice good governance and accountability

People Involved

We rely on our members, volunteers and a small staff.

Committee – Click hre for Members and their background.

Staff – Click Here for introduction to staff.

Volunteers – Click here for Volunteer of the Month profile.

New Volunteers Welcome – Click here for more details.