The ATF’s Mission has always been to ensure that our Aims and Vision continue to be upheld and for our Goals to be achieved.

The ATF goal is to promote the organisation as a link between doctors and healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes which has proven to be a success.

The ATF began in 1995 by its founder Gail Ballantyne, and her first committee along with Gail’s treating specialist Professor Steven Boyages. Their passion and commitment to set up a national thyroid patient support organisation with strong foundations has enabled it to continue onto today.

The ATF is managed by an Executive Committee. All members of the Executive Committee are volunteers who are passionate and committed and offer their skills and experience to ensure the ATF continues to provide updated member services, manage the business of the organisation, raise national awareness and to meet our goals.

The ATF Executive Committee are very grateful to have the support of our Medical Advisory Board. The Board are world leaders in all types of thyroid disorders. Medical Advisors present comprehensive articles for our member newsletter, Thyroid News, speak and represent the ATF and provide support to members when needed.

• The ATF provide members with support and information by way of our many services.
• The ATF produce national awareness campaigns, educational lectures, and presentations, with the support of our Medical Advisory Board.
• The ATF reach out to thyroid patients Australia wide to promote the benefits of good thyroid health.
• The ATF goal is to promote the organisation as a link between doctors and healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes which has proven to be a success.

Australian Thyroid Foundation Credentials:

• The ATF is the Australian thyroid patient authority for thyroid disorders and iodine deficiency.
• The ATF is recognised by the Food Standards of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) as the Australian consumer advocacy organisation.
• The ATF is recognised by the Endocrine Society of Australia (ESA) as the Australian thyroid patient authority.
• The ATF is recognised by the Australian & New Zealand Endocrine Surgeons as the Australian thyroid patient authority. 
• The ATF is recognised by the Asia Oceania Thyroid Association (AOTA) as a patient support member of the AOTA
• The ATF is recognised by the European Thyroid Association, (ETA), American Thyroid Association (ATA) & Latin American Thyroid Association (LATS) as the Australian thyroid patient authority for thyroid disorders and iodine deficiency.

Since 1995 the Australian Thyroid Foundation has been working hard to improve patient outcomes:

• Patient Information Seminars held Australia wide – ATF Medical Advisors provide thyroid education and information for patients and the Australian community.
• National Thyroid Health Awareness Campaigns - print, TV, radio, social media, website. Our awareness campaigns are supported by our wonderful ambassadors, many who have been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder and are happy to share their stories and support the ATF.
  Partnering with Audienced – an online health media company has proven to help spread our awareness through medical channels and the Australian community.
• The ATF was part of the National Iodine Nutrient Study (NINS) which held its first meeting in Hobart in 2002. ATF representatives travelled to many parts of Australia with the NINS researchers, helping to test 8–10-year-old school children for iodine deficiency and thyroid disorders. The study completed in 2006 showing Australian children were mild to moderately iodine deficient.
  The Food Standards of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) were presented with the NINS research, which resulted in changes that all Australian and New Zealand commercial bread making and baked goods, must include iodised salt.
  The Australian Federal Government Cabinet were presented with the findings, which resulted in the National Health Medical Research Committee (NHMRC) signing off on a public health policy in January 2010, recommending all women contemplating pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding should include a daily supplement including 150mcgs of iodine to prevent iodine deficiency and to protect the development of the newborn and the pregnancy. The ATF support the findings with continued awareness campaigns.
• ATF representatives attend national and international endocrine and thyroid medical conferences. Connecting with researchers, endocrinologists, endocrine surgeons, GP’s, and other medical specialists associated with thyroid which is a great benefit to the organisation and our member resources.
• The ATF is a member of Thyroid Federation International (TFI) the global thyroid patient organisation which has over 30 member organisations worldwide. The ATF attend in person or online meetings with TFI members to share and learn from other patient organisations.
• The ATF is respected by national and international thyroid medical associations as the Australian thyroid patient authority. The ATF is a proud honorary patient member of the Endocrine Society of Australia (ESA), Australian and New Zealand Endocrine Surgeons (ANZES) and the Asia Oceania Thyroid Association (AOTA).
• ATF representatives attend national Healthed conferences, which are especially designed to give health updates presentations for GP’s and other HCP’s. ATF Medical Advisors have presented at these conferences and given video presentations for GP’s and other HCPs to view online. ATF representatives have connected with thousands of delegates at these conferences which promote our organisation and the information we offer them to improve the link between doctors and patients.
• The ATF is a member of the Australia and New Zealand Thyroid Cancer Register (ANZTCR). This committee was formed to connect medical specialists treating thyroid cancer patients and to improve treatments for patients by sharing and improving outcomes. ATF input into communication and information provided to patients has been greatly appreciated.
• After receiving many concerns from ATF Members about keeping refrigerated brands of Levothyroxine cool whilst travelling, The ATF Committee resourced The ATF Medication Travel Pack to include as one of our services for patients to purchase as a solution to travelling with refrigerated brands of Levothyroxine.
  
• The ATF has lodged a Pre-Budget Submission for the 2024-2025 Australian National Government Health Budget.