Emerge Australia is a national patient organisation providing education, advocacy, research and support services for people living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Our work gives hope and help to more than 250,000 Australians living with ME/CFS. 

The impacts of ME/CFS can be devastating. It is estimated that 25% of people living with ME/CFS are housebound or bedbound, with many people living with these conditions unable to work or participate in community life. People living with ME/CFS often feel invisible due to the unknown cause of the conditions, lack of effective treatment options and limited community awareness, leading many to 'go missing' from their own lives.

Emerge Australia is committed to early diagnosis of ME/CFS in primary care. We promote management strategies helpful to improving quality of life for those with ME/CFS and its associated conditions.

Approximately 80% of people develop ME/CFS following a viral illness. Long COVID is a post-viral illness gaining significant attention. Emerge Australia welcomes the attention Long COVID has brought to the impact of post-viral illness.  Many people with Long COVID have reported experiencing symptoms consistent with ME/CFS. We encourage these people to utilise our resources and services. 

In order to continue our essential work, Emerge Australia relies on generous support of the community as we continue to advocate for increased public and clinical awareness, funding for much needed services as well as ongoing funds for biomedical and translational research.

Our mission

Every Australian diagnosed with ME/CFS receives effective medical and other services without stigma or discrimination.

Our vision

Australians with ME/CFS achieve the highest quality of life possible.

Our values

To serve the best interests of people affected by ME/CFS with integrity, compassion and empathy.

Our strategic plan 2021-2024

Download a copy of the plan here. 

Our work

• We provide expertise on issues to do with ME/CFS at a national level
• We host a range of community, national and international events that aim to increase awareness of ME/CFS as a biomedical illness
• We provide a variety of resources, as well as news and updates, for people living with ME/CFS
• We provide a telehealth nurse service to help meet the needs of people living with ME/CFS
• We advocate for systemic reform to improve access to financial and social supports, and to improve access to better healthcare for people living with ME/CFS
• We lobby for increases in community support for people with the disease and to drive more biomedical research into ME/CFS