Our Story
Respiratory Care WA, formerly known as The Asthma Foundation WA, was founded in 1964 by a dedicated group of individuals led by Mrs Judith Barton. Driven by a shared commitment to supporting people living with asthma, they set out to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Western Australians.
Today, we are a not-for-profit organisation providing education, support and diagnostic services for people living with respiratory conditions, including asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Our purpose is to ensure everyone has access to personalised respiratory care and support, empowering them to live their best life.
In 2024, Respiratory Care WA proudly celebrated 60 years of service to the Western Australian community.
Take a walk down memory lane as we reflect on six decades of helping Western Australians breathe easier.
1960s
1964
The Asthma Foundation of Western Australia (AFWA) was established to support people living with asthma. The inaugural meeting was coordinated by Mrs Judith Barton.
1968-1969
AFWA contributed funding towards the establishment of the Clinical Immunology Research Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital, helping advance respiratory research in Western Australia.
Mrs. Judith Barton.
1970s
1970
AFWA appointed its first paid staff member, marking an important step in the Foundation’s growth.
1972-1974
The Foundation expanded into regional WA, establishing branches in Albany, the Eastern Goldfields and Bunbury, while opening its first headquarters in Perth.
1973
AFWA launched its first children’s asthma education camp, helping young people better understand and manage their condition.
1975
The Children’s Asthma Research Fund was launched in partnership with Channel 7 Telethon to support asthma research.
1976
AFWA introduced exercise and swimming programs to support people living with asthma.
1977
The foundation’s first Walk-a-thon was organised by Sister Dorothy “Hoppie” Western. This became an annual event that ran for 15 years.
1980s
1981-1983
Public education became a key focus, with AFWA hosting its first Asthma Information Seminar and launching the inaugural Asthma Week.
1980s
The Foundation continued to expand across regional Western Australia into Albany, Bunbury, Donnybrook, Easter Goldfields, Geraldton, Mandurah, Kojonup, Manjimup, Port Hedland and Karratha and Busselton increasing access to education, support services and community programs.
1985
The ‘Lords Challenge’ was held which saw teams participate in cricket, soccer, hocky, netball and swimming at the Lords indoor complex.
The ‘Life and Breath Aerbathon” also took place where participants completed five hours of aerobics to raise awareness of asthma.
1989
AFWA entered the digital age with its first computers.
A boy with a spacer in the 1990s.
1990s
By 1991, AFWA had committed $160k to asthma research. The Lords Indoor Sports Challenge in 1992 had a great turn out with 24 teams involved. AFWA now had 12 Asthma Resource Centres servicing 8 regions across WA: Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Mandurah, Northam and Narrogin. Fast forward to 1994 and AFWA’s membership reached a new high of 4,000. 140 kids were attending asthma education camp and 600 kids enrolled in swimming classes. Then in 1995 the Foundation got its first Major Sponsor: Home Building Society. A public awareness campaign with animated character “Lewis Lung” was undertaken in 1995. Approximately 25,000 people consulted their GP following the successful campaign. The first WA Asthma Expo was also held this year and 700 people attended. Free skin tests and lung function tests were provided at the event. AsthmaSwim classes were doing well in 1996, with 500 kids participating each week. The next significant milestone came in 1998 when Prime Minister John Howard formally listed asthma as the next National Health Priority. We opened our Headquarters at 36 Ord Street, West Perth in 1999.
2000s
2000-2003
AFWA expanded asthma education and support programs across Western Australia, including teacher training initiatives that saw more than 200 schools achieve ‘Asthma Friendly’ status.
2005-2006
The Foundation strengthened community engagement through major fundraising initiatives, including the inaugural Bike Hike and Bubble Day.
2008-2009
AFWA expanded its regional outreach and launched new programs supporting children and First Nations communities, backed by government and community funding partners.
Freeway Bike Hike For Asthma In 2005.
Mid 2000s
2010s
2012
The RAC Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma attracted around 9,000 participants, becoming one of WA’s largest community fundraising events.
2013
The iconic Asthma Foundation WA hot air balloon was unveiled on World Asthma Day.
2014
AFWA celebrated 50 years of supporting Western Australians.
2016
The Foundation expanded its services to include asthma and COPD telehealth support.
2018
AFWA became Respiratory Care WA, reflecting its broader focus on respiratory health and wellbeing.
2010s
2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Respiratory Care WA launched a COVID-19 Helpline and commenced its Children’s Respiratory Hub pilot program.
2021
The inaugural Wheezy Walk raised awareness of asthma across Western Australia.
2022
Respiratory Care WA introduced Lung Function Testing for adults, expanding access to respiratory assessment services across the state.
2024
As the organisation celebrated its 60th anniversary, it launched the South West Respiratory Hub, expanded statewide outreach through its Binar Futures partnership, and achieved endorsement of its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
2020s
2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Respiratory Care WA launched a COVID-19 Helpline and commenced its Children’s Respiratory Hub pilot program.
2021
The inaugural Wheezy Walk raised awareness of asthma across Western Australia.
2022
Respiratory Care WA introduced Lung Function Testing for adults, expanding access to respiratory assessment services across the state.
2024
As the organisation celebrated its 60th anniversary, it launched the South West Respiratory Hub, expanded statewide outreach through its Binar Futures partnership, and achieved endorsement of its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
2020s – Now.
2020 was the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in WA and to better support the community we launched a COVID-19 helpline. That year we also commenced our Paediatric Respiratory Hub pilot program. Respiratory Care WA’s first Wheezy Walk launched to the community in 2021. 99 people took over 14 million steps to raise awareness for Western Australians living with asthma. Respiratory Care WA launched our Lung Function Testing service for adults in October 2022. We now provide Lung Function Testing, education and support in clinics across the state. In 2023 we continued service offerings and ran a Corporate Challenge fundraising event. As for 2024? Well, it’s already been a massive year for us! We’ve travelled across the state with Binar Futures, launched our South West Respiratory Hub and a new CRM system. Stay tuned for more exciting news and updates to come!
2025-Present
Respiratory Care WA expanded its reach into the Great Southern region through Respiratory Specialist Children’s Pop-Up Clinics in Albany, improving access to specialist respiratory care for regional families.
The organisation engaged to deliver services through the WA Health Older Adult Health Hubs initiative, extending respiratory support to older Western Australians.
Across 2024 and 2025, Respiratory Care WA’s Respiratory Hubs delivered more than 1,200 lung function tests, reflecting the growing demand for accessible respiratory assessment and support services across the state.
Today
Respiratory Care WA continues to expand access to respiratory care across Western Australia through education, diagnostic testing, specialist outreach clinics and personalised support services.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to helping all Western Australians breathe easier and live healthier lives.
