the cornflower
SUMMER 2023/2024 ISSUE
M N D Q U E E N S L AN D N E W S L E T T E R
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GRB GLOBAL JOINS THE MND QUEENSLAND FAMILY GRB Global, is known as a leader in supporting the optimisation of mining technology in Australia. They recently announced a partnership with MND Queensland. Martin Bettin, CEO of GRB Global said ‘A few people within the GRB team have been directly impacted by Motor Neurone Disease. Personally knowing someone who has passed away or family members who had MND really alerts you to the care and support required. GRB core values of family and lifestyle reflect our choice to contribute to the support and care of those affected and impacted by MND.’ With three offices in Queensland from Sunshine Coast to Airlie Beach, GRB Global team members will proudly be wearing the MND Queensland logo on their uniforms into 2024 and 2025. Our gratitude to GRB Global for your wonderful support. If you’d like to sponsor MND Queensland, get in touch with our Relationships Manager, Susie Longman by emailing susie.longman@mndaq.org.au or call her on 0406 111 561.
Pictured: GRB Global adds the MND Queensland logo to their uniform to show their support via sponsorship.
CONTACT DETAILS & SOCIAL MEDIA MND QUEENSLAND
ABN: 75 990 922 939 Street Address: Unit 1, 89 Factory Rd, OXLEY QLD 4075 Postal Address: PO Box 470, INALA QLD 4077 Web: www.mndaq.org.au Email: info@mndaq.org.au Phone: 07 3372 9004 Freecall: 1800 777 175 SOCIAL MEDIA - Please follow us and ‘like’ and share our posts
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MNDAQ Walk to D-Feet MND: www.facebook.com/Walk2DFeetMNDQLD X: twitter.com/MNDQueensland Instagram: @mndQLD Linked In: www.linkedin.com/company/4869077 YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCf5MA4DA7qGU7BThP9Pg-Cg FEEDBACK AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Please send your feedback or story ideas to fundraising@mndaq.org.au.
MND Queensland’s office will be closed from Fri 22 Dec 2023 and will reopen on Wed 3 Jan 2024
Thank You
DONATIONS
You can make a donation by credit card by calling 07 3372 9004 or at www.mndaq.org.au/donations. You can also post a cheque or money order (made out to MND Queensland) to the postal address above.
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FROM THE CEO’S DESK WITH STACEY THORPE Celebrating the Spirit of Giving and Hope this Christmas. As we approach the festive season, it’s incredible to think that we're nearing the end of another year. It feels like just yesterday when we began our journey into our 40th anniversary, marking a milestone that resonates deeply within the hearts of everyone associated with MND Queensland. Christmas is a time of joy, traditions, and togetherness. It's about cherishing moments with loved ones, creating new memories, and spreading warmth and kindness. However, we also acknowledge that for many, this season can evoke bittersweet feelings, especially for those missing cherished members of their families or navigating the challenges of MND. Whatever your circumstances, my wish is that this Christmas brings you comfort, peace, and moments of joy. initiatives to empower and support our community As we reflect on the past year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support we've received throughout our 40th-anniversary celebrations. From the heartfelt participation in our walks to the generous contributions at our events, each step and every donation has played an invaluable role in our mission to support Queenslanders impacted by MND. This year has been monumental for us at MND Queensland. We have expanded our reach, increased the size of our MND Advisor and Allied Health teams, and launched new initiatives aimed at enhancing our support for the MND community. The addition of regional locations in Townsville and Cairns has allowed us to extend our expertise to even more individuals and families in need. From the wonderful feedback we have received throughout the year, I know that we have made a real difference in the lives of many Queenslanders impacted by MND.
better.
Our 40th year marks not just a celebration but a reaffirmation of our purpose. We are immensely proud to be Queensland's leading organisation delivering expert, integrated care for MND. With your unwavering support, we've reached this point, and together, we'll continue advancing, maturing, and refining our services for an even greater impact in the years to come. The festive season is also a time of giving, and your support means the world to us. Your generosity ensures that our services and programs continue to thrive, making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by MND. If you're considering spreading some Christmas cheer, a donation to MND Queensland is a heartfelt gift that directly supports our mission. And this year, you can choose a donation to MND Queensland as a gift to your loved ones. It’s always difficult to find that perfect gift but what better than an MND Queensland Christmas eCard letting them know you have donated to our Christmas appeal on their behalf?
Our dedication to providing comprehensive care and support remains unwavering. We are committed to As we prepare to bid farewell to 2023 and welcome ensuring that every Queenslander impacted by a new year, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each MND has access to the best possible care, one of you who has been part of our journey. Your resources, and assistance. However, we recognise support, dedication, and enthusiasm have been the challenges faced by those diagnosed after the instrumental in our achievements, and we look age of 65, lacking sufficient funding sources. This forward to your continued support in 2024. remains an area of focus for us as we strive to bridge these gaps and offer holistic support to all. On behalf of the entire team at MND Queensland, I Looking ahead to 2024, our vision is clear, and our commitment to reducing the impact of MND on every individual's life is resolute. We aim to further refine our offerings, strengthen our volunteer programs, and introduce innovative educational
wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas filled with love, warmth, and cherished moments. Here's to a New Year brimming with hope, positivity, and the promise of making a difference together.
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SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICES - ALLIED HEALTH TEAM MND Queensland recognised a great need for allied health services to offer specialised support for people living with MND and their caregivers. We addressed this need by actively listening to those with MND, delving into research, and studying international MND services to determine optimal care. This led us to launch our allied health services, beginning with the introduction of an Occupational Therapy Service in 2020. In 2021, we initiated a Speech Therapy Service and, the following year, opened the Voice Banking Clinic as an extension of this service. Then in 2022, we proudly launched our Physiotherapy Service. The treatable aspects of MND and the symptoms that can be managed to promote quality of life, and longevity, can benefit from the input of allied health professionals experienced in working with people with MND taking a collaborative and integrated multidisciplinary team approach. What exactly is a multidisciplinary team, you may ask? It’s a team of different roles and professions that work together in the care of individuals. In the context of MND, this involves professionals providing specific services and interventions to ensure the best possible care for those living with MND. Our team includes five Occupational Therapists (OTs): Kelly (our Allied Health Team Leader), Hannah, Angela, Claire and Tara. Our OTs focus on helping people with MND maximise their independence and engage in meaningful activities. They offer assistance with NDIS access requests, functional assessments, prescribing assistive technology, home assessments, home modifications, and provide support and education for carers.
Pictured: (Top L-R) OT Tara, Physio Bronwyn (middle L-R) OT Angela, Speech Therapist Nicole (bottom LR) OT Claire and OT Kelly. Missing from this pic - OT Hannah and Allied Health Assistant, Helen.
recording and "banking" their unique voices. This recorded voice is then compiled into a digital file for future use with communication technology. Research indicates that individuals under the care of a multidisciplinary team for MND experience improved quality of life and increased longevity. We take this research seriously, striving to foster a team that collaborates with our MND community to enhance both quality of life and lifespan.
Bronwyn, our Physiotherapist, conducts assessments of movement, mobility and muscles to identify issues and develop appropriate treatment plans. Her interventions include targeted exercise programs, neck and head supports, advice on stretching, range of movement, balance, and strength maintenance, as well as hydrotherapy. She also provides equipment prescriptions, positioning and postural advice, orthotics trials, pain and fatigue management, respiratory education, and referrals to specialists when needed.
We often hear stories from clients and their extended networks, describing the positive impacts of our allied health team in their lives. Whether it's facilitating continued engagement in meaningful activities, maintaining or improving strength for special events, or providing crucial medical interventions, our team plays a vital role in supporting individuals throughout their MND journey.
Nicole, our Speech Therapist, collaborates with individuals and their families to enhance swallow and communication, maintaining independence and quality of life at home, work, and in the community. She offers education and training on alternative communication devices, voice banking, and works on developing skills and strategies to address swallowing difficulties in coordination with dietitians.
Providing the best service to our MND community is both rewarding and challenging for our allied health team. We are dedicated to continuous improvement, leveraging the diverse personalities within our team and over a century of combined experience to collaborate, learn from each other, and work in the best interests of our clients.
Covering areas between Noosa, Toowoomba, and the Gold An Australian-first service we provide is our MND-specific Coast, our allied health team is ready to support you or your Voice Banking Clinic, where our Allied Health Assistant, loved one. To learn more, call 1800 777 175, email Helen, and trained volunteers assist individuals with MND in info@mndaq.org.au, or consult with your MND Advisor.
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HIGHER LEVELS OF HOME CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY STUDY The Department of Health and Aged Care (the Department) has commissioned Deloitte and Applied Aged Care Solutions to conduct a research study into in-home aged care for people living with disability, to understand how to better support people with disability in the home.
The study would involve an in-person assessment of your needs, to understand the aged care supports, assistive technology and home modifications that people with MND require to be adequately supported in the home.
The outcomes of this research will help inform the Department of the actual home care needs If you, or a family member, have Motor Neurone of people with disability (such as MND). Disease (MND), acquired the condition after 65 years, live in greater Brisbane, Sydney or If you are interested in participating in the study, Melbourne, and do not currently receive support or have any further questions about the study, via the National Disability Insurance Scheme please contact the contact the Deloitte research (NDIS) or the Disability Support for Older team at HLCResearchTeam@deloitte.com.au Australians (DSOA) Program, you qualify to or phone 07 3308 1336. participate in this research project.
COMMBANK STAFF FOUNDATION GRANT WIN The CommBank Staff Foundation have shown their generosity again in 2023 by awarding a $10,000 grant to MND Queensland for our Voice Banking Clinic. This is the third year that the Foundation has supported our Voice Banking Clinic, meaning that we are able to offer the recording of voices for our members with an MND diagnosis at no cost. CommBank might be experts in banking, but MND Queensland are the experts in voice banking. If you’d like to learn more about this service get in touch with us by calling 1800 777 175 or email info@mndaq.org.au.
Pictured: (L-R) Paul Knox from CommBank, MND QLD’s Relationships Manager, Susie Longman, MND QLD CEO Stacey Thorpe, and Sharyn Morrison, CommBank Branch Manager, Mt Ommaney.
MND QUEENSLAND’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY GALA On Saturday 23 September around 120 people gathered at Crystalbrook Vincent, Brisbane for our 40th Anniversary Gala. Special videos were created, one showing our history and one featuring our late client Nicole being the heart of the night and showing why we exist. Our first President, John Wearne OAM joined us to talk about the early days of the organisation.
There were some fantastic frocks on display. We enjoyed delicious food and drinks, as well as two wonderful entertainers. There was a silent auction, a live auction, raffles and a lucky key draw for a ruby ring. A total of around $15,000 was raised to help people impacted by MND. Thanks to everyone who attended, donated and volunteered for this event.
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LIVING WITH MND - JANET’S STORY Janet is 72 and she lives with her husband Graham just outside Toowoomba. They’ve been married 50 years and have four children and 12 grandchildren. When asked to describe herself, Janet responded ‘I guess depending on who you spoke to, I would be described as… Busy… Confident… Bossy… Persistent… Strong… Caring… What else, Graham?’ to which Graham added ‘Very sporty, very, very sporty, and active, as is the whole family.’ He went on further to add ‘Caring, Loyal and Forgiving.’ Janet was a registered nurse for 50 years and just prior to her diagnosis she worked in the aged care sector. She shared ‘I started nursing in 1970 at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney which is the equivalent of your big hospitals in Queensland … 1,200 beds!’ Unlike many people diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, she had worked with three clients who had MND during her nursing career, so had some understanding of the disease and how it robs a person of their ability to speak, move, swallow and breathe. Prior to her diagnosis in December 2021 - a process that took around eight months - she noticed a variety of symptoms. She had a fall while building their home (with one of their sons) and she thought her symptoms might have been a lingering injury. ‘I thought I’d done a rotator cuff injury’ she said. She’d also noticed that she was having trouble playing hockey and had adapted her playing style to compensate saying, ‘I didn't have time to stop the ball and then hit.’ While working at an aged care facility she found it difficult to throw a sheet across the bed and had increasing difficulty turning clients. Through a series of elimination tests, she received her MND diagnosis. ‘Oh, that was virtually my 70th birthday present. Thank you very much.’ Janet remarked.
Pictured: Janet and Graham
responded ‘Well... drastically! I was the organiser. Graham will say that I was just too bloody capable! I never asked Graham to do virtually anything… I never asked for help with anything.’ She added ‘Now I can’t leave the house unless I go in a disability taxi because we’ve got no other way for me to go. I can’t leave the house except in a wheelchair. And that’s just cruel! Why should I be confined to my own house?’ she stated as she broke down in tears.
Because Janet was diagnosed with MND after the age of 65 she doesn’t qualify for the NDIS. She said ‘You know, if I was 64 when this was Before her diagnosis, other than work and diagnosed, I would now have a vehicle I would family, hockey was a big part of Janet’s life and be able to be taken places. And otherwise, I’m she even competed internationally. She’s been stuck in the house… just getting around in the very involved in sporting communities wherever yard and around the street.’ they’ve lived. She worked at the Sydney Olympics organising all the medical supplies for Following her diagnosis, in search of the clinics at all the sporting venues. information and support, Janet came across MND Queensland through a Google search. When asked about how her diagnosis has MND Queensland has provided her with impacted on Janet and her family she information, advice and referrals through our 6
free MND Advisory Service. She’s recorded her voice through our free Voice Banking Program and she’s attended our free support group meetings and has borrowed equipment from us. She said ‘MND Queensland has been very, very helpful to me. I don't know how I would have got on without them.’ Graham added ‘We wouldn’t’ have!’ He said that ‘MND staff are always available to speak to.’ Janet followed up by saying ‘The phone is always answered. Hallelujah! And it doesn’t matter if the person you actually wanted isn’t there. There’s always a suggestion of who else might be able to help.’ Graham added ‘We couldn’t speak more highly of MNDAQ. They’re helpful. You ring them up and ask them this and ask them that.’ Janet said ‘they’ve shown us great respect too Graham. Stacey asked me to do the presentation in Canberra and I’m sure there were other people that could have done that as well.’ Advocacy is an important, but often overlooked part of what MND Queensland and MND Australia do on behalf of people with MND. Janet assisted with this effort in June this year by speaking at the Parliamentary Friends of MND event in Canberra during MND Week. It was a massive day for her leaving home at 2AM, flying to Canberra and returning at 12:10AM the next day. Janet said she got involved, ‘Because they’ve done things for me and I like to have a voice.’ Graham is also an active advocate writing to politicians fighting for ongoing funding for MND Queensland and to make aged care fair. Janet and Graham have participated in the Walk to D-Feet MND Toowoomba and have
Pictured: Janet, Graham and the kids, and Janet’s nursing graduation photo.
raised funds for MND Queensland. They understand that we don’t get recurrent government funding and our work with people over the age of 65 is reliant on community fundraising efforts. When asked what she thought of our wonderful supporters Janet responded, ‘We have to be very grateful!’ Can you donate to MND Queensland’s Christmas Appeal to help provide support and services to people like Janet? Visit www.mndaq.org.au/xmas-2023 or see below for more information or send the coupon on the back of this newsletter back to us with your gift. You can also call us on 07 3372 9004.
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WALK TO D-FEET MND EVENTS IN TOOWOOMBA AND REDCLIFFE Walk to D-Feet MND events are fantastic community gatherings where we raise community awareness about MND as well as vital funds. We held our biggest walk ever in Toowoomba in September and a walk in Redcliffe in October.
a sausage sizzle, Singer DJ Karaoke Kerryanne kept the crowd entertained and Two Moos kept us caffeinated. The event raised over $20,000.
On Sunday 22 October we held the Walk to D-Feet MND Redcliffe along the seafront at Suttons Beach. The event attracted a crowd of over 200 people and Toowoomba Grammar entered a team of 160 boys together they raised $22,000! We’re grateful to 99.7 into the Walk to D-Feet MND event in Queens Park Bridge FM who broadcast live from the event and on Sunday 10 September. It was amazing to have a kept us entertained. Little Sipper were there with record crowd of over 320 people walking through the their coffee van making sure we were all energized Carnival of Flowers creating a sea of blue amongst for the morning and the Rotary Club of Nundah the colourful blooms. provided a sausage sizzle breakfast. Mayor Geoff McDonald and Trevor Watts MP joined Thanks to all of our participants, volunteers and the event. Toowoomba North Rotary Club provided donors for making these events such a success!
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SAVE THE DATE - EXCITING PLANS FOR 2024 We cannot do the work we do without you showing up to our events and encouraging others to participate. Whether you became a community champion this year or continually help us year after year, we thank you for raising awareness and vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease.
rebranding. To celebrate, we are introducing a dedicated Services tent offering information and activities for the whole family to enjoy before and after you walk or roll. We have confirmed that the Walk to Defeat MND Gold Coast will take place on March 10th, and the Walk to Defeat MND Brisbane will be held on May 19th. We are also happy to announce that the Wilson Family is leading the Walk to Defeat MND Gladstone on March 23rd. Stay tuned for more dates to be finalised in the new year.
As we conclude another year of never giving up, we are excited to introduce a few new events and the return of some community favourites for 2024.
Mates Move for MND: February We are kicking off 2024 with the return of Mates Move for MND in February – where you can walk, run, ride, swim or move with purpose, challenging yourself to stay active as the new year new me fever of January subsides. Move your way to increase awareness for MND. https://bit.ly/3R1PZlp
Snag Ya Boss: 25 to 29 November Snag Ya Boss is a statewide campaign for your workplace (and boss) to raise funds and awareness for MND during the week of International Giving Day, 25 to 29 November. It is an easy and fun way to make a difference for a sizzling serious cause. We loved seeing businesses like Raceview Veterinary Clinic in 2023 really run with the idea and make it their own in hosting their own Snag Ya Boss BBQ and Bath fundraiser.
Beat The Pro! This is a new campaign for our golf loving friends, clients and supporters. If you’re a member of a golf club in Queensland get in touch with Susie to see how you can help us get this campaign swinging in April 2024 on 0406 111 561 or email susie.longman@mndaq.org.au
Finally, we have two exciting new events happening in 2024: Lunch ‘n’ Laugh and High Tea for MND. Dates are yet to be finalised, but we can reveal that our High Tea for MND will be a fabulously fashionable affair with champagne and a fashion show. As the saying goes, Trek 4 MND – Larapinta Challenge: 6 to 11 August laughter is the best medicine and Lunch 'n' Laugh is a Take on the challenge of a lifetime as you push your chance to gather your mates for a beer and a laugh for an mental and physical limits just as a person living with exclusive comedy experience to make the time count MND does daily - trek the iconic 50km Larapinta Trek in when it matters most. MND takes so much, including the the Northern Territory. If you do choose to take on this life ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe, -changing challenge, we'll be beside you throughout your but it can’t take our love for a laugh. epic journey, from training and fundraising to the final summit. Hurry to http://bit.ly/3N2PG8M for more So mark your diaries. We look forward to welcoming you information, or call the inspired Adventures team at to our community events in 2024. For more information 1300 905 188 as we’re recruiting now. on MND Queensland events visit www.mndaq.org.au/ events or give our Events and Community Fundraising Walk to Defeat MND Manager, Tarah Ferguson a call on 0450 029 788 or We are excited to announce the return of Walk to Defeat email events@mndaq.org.au. MND with a fresh new look as part of our national
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THANKS TO OUR FABULOUS COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS Over the past three months, we’ve had some fabulous community fundraisers champion the cause and raise vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease! Old Bar Beach Pirates Rugby League Football Club had a gala to raise funds in support of a dear friend and they raised a staggering $10,000. The North Brisbane 4x4 Suzuki Club raised a record amount for their 2023 NBS 4x4 2023 Suzuki social on 15 September to support two charities, and MND Queensland was lucky enough to be one of them. We would also like to acknowledge Suzuki Queensland for contributing $250 to bring the total raised to $2,500.
Thuringowa City Bowls Club have hosted an annual fundraiser to raise much-needed funds for MND since 2019. So, we were pleased they raised $2525.90, including $163 in merchandise sales on the 10 September.
The lovely team at Gold Coast Tavern chose MND Queensland as the recipients of their July Friday night raffles. Their $1,500 donation makes a difference.
Two Mile Hotel & Motel in Mungindi hosted a unique MND fundraiser, encouraging young and experienced locals to shave their heads for a great cause. The country town spirit showed through raising $5,325. Another wonderful year-on-year group of community fundraisers are the Bundaberg Early Holden Club Inc., who just keeps smashing their goal each time, and 2023 was no different! They’ve been hosting the John Eager Memorial since 2020, and despite a few challenges, they still successfully raised $2,700. Chloe lost her beloved Grandad to MND and in his memory, she ran a half marathon in London. UK because “the care and support we provided to him and her Grandma was unforgettable”. She raised $3,840, which includes a single gift from her workplace, London Vision Clinic, who generously matched the funds raised. Our wonderful friends, Camilla Social SEQ ,chose to support MND Queensland at this year’s Christmas lunch at Six Acres Restaurant. Their raffle had a prize pool of 14 items which helped them raise $2,050!
As the year ends, we’re sure many of you are reflecting and considering what 2024 looks like. You might be inspired to host your own event like a local trivia night, exhibition, play, raffle or want to put on a Walk to Defeat MND event in your town or city. If you’re keen to do something get in touch with Tarah Ferguson, our Events and Community Fundraising Manager by calling 07 3372 9004 or email events@mndaq.org.au.
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STAFF PROFILE: KELLY GEHRKE, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST Can you please tell us a little about your professional background as an OT? I studied occupational therapy (OT) in Adelaide where the focus was on a client-centred, collaborative approach to working in health. Since graduating 23 years ago, I have worked in a variety of settings from acute hospital work, to hospital rehabilitation, to community health, to community development projects in India and Thailand. Now I have taken on the position of Allied Health Team Leader and have the privilege of working with our team of allied health professionals. The overarching passion that I have in my vocation is to see people empowered to achieve their goals, whether in function, health, or now professionally within our team. Can you tell our readers a little about the work you do at MND Queensland? My role is a combination of two parts; working clinically as an OT and as the Allied Health Team Leader. I find it so satisfying to work with our clients to be able to listen to their story and help identify, and understand their health needs. Through this process of determining their needs, this helps to identify the goals that I can assist them with, and what other health services or disciplines are needed to have integrated and holistic care for each client. Understanding that a multidisciplinary approach to holistic care improves both quality of life and longevity for our clients is the underpinning framework for all that we do as an allied health team.
our MND clients dealing with? And what are the benefits that people with MND can get from working with an OT? Common issues that I see a majority of MND clients dealing with are how to accept that MND is a part of their life, how to treat and approach the current needs and goals of care, but also what needs to be planned for in the future and how to bring in the right supports at the right time. It can be overwhelming to consider potential needs, and this is where the benefit of having allied health professionals who work in MND can provide so much advantage. As an OT, we specialise in looking at function and how that is impacted by MND. So when there is an area of dysfunction or change that is important to the person living with MND, an OT will help identify what the underlying cause is, what medical/allied health service might be best to address the cause, help prioritise their needs and what do they want to achieve to either improve function or manage this change in the optimal way for them.
You’re a part of a multidisciplinary team here at MND Queensland. What do you see as the main benefits for our clients of having a multidisciplinary team supporting them? The allied health team are experienced and trained to work with individuals to introduce considerations and help with My other role as allied health team leader oversees our team planning the care that is appropriate to each person living with of OTs, physiotherapist, speech therapist and allied health MND. There is no one way to set up care and supports, assistant. equipment and resources for a person living with MND, and in fact these things need to be tailored to each individual and What do you enjoy about working at MND Queensland? their context. With a multidisciplinary approach to care, this I am able to be a part of an organisation that is passionate and makes possible coordinated and collaborative care that dedicated to providing services and improving the journey of enables optimal ways to meet the needs of people living with people with MND. We have a commitment to providing an MND and their carers. integrated multidisciplinary approach to best meet our clients’ needs. As this commitment and ethos aligns with research and What do you get up to in your spare time? Do you have scientific data, as well as my personal values about how I carry any pastimes, hobbies or things you like to get up to out my profession, it feels like a true privilege to be able to outside the office? work in an organisation that is as committed to collaborative I don’t think many people have spare time in life, I certainly care as I would design an organisation to be, myself. don’t! I have four children, extended family and so I am strategic in planning my time! But I am a great believer in Have you learnt anything more about MND since working looking at my health and wellbeing and including things into at MND Queensland and working exclusively with MND my life that will help me manage my health. I love to run clients? regularly, hike and read. I love music and play several I learn something new about MND most days working instruments rather poorly, but have a great appreciation for all exclusively with MND clients. I have worked with people living things music. My children all play basketball, and other sport, with MND in acute care, rehabilitation and community health. and so I help manage a few basketball teams and am uberMND Queensland ensures all of its employees are educated driver to my kids to games all around SEQ! I’m involved in my widely on MND during its onboarding process, and ongoing local church too and am a part of projects that reach out into professional development opportunities. But when you then the community in a variety of ways. collaborate with people living with MND daily and are surrounded by teams of colleagues working in the same area, Is there anything else you’d like to share? Any final there is always something new to learn about MND, how it’s thoughts? affecting people in different ways, but also the resilience and My final thoughts are that I would love every person living with outcomes that people achieve through their determination, MND, and their families to know that they are not alone in their care for loved ones, and commitment to fight MND every step journey with MND. That there are a group of people at MND of the way. Queensland that are dedicated to be there for them and who’s aim is to help journey this horrible disease of MND with each What are the common issues that you see the majority of person and provide the care and support they need.
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WHAT’S ON? - GET INVOLVED All Feb - Mates Move 4 MND, a virtual event where you can move how you want, where you want. Register and fundraise at www.mndaq.org.au/events/66/matesmoveformnd 10 Mar - Walk to Defeat MND Gold Coast, stroll along the Main Beach foreshore from Hollindale Park and raise awareness and funds for MND. Register and get sponsored at www.mndaq.org.au/events/68/goldcoast 23 Mar - Walk to Defeat MND Gladstone, a community-run walk at the Gladstone Marina. Register now and raise funds to help people with MND at www.mndaq.org.au/events/64/gladstone 19 May - Walk to Defeat MND Brisbane, walk along the river with us from 9AM at New Farm Park, Register and get fundraising now at www.mndaq.org.au/events/69/brisbane 16 Jun - MND Week starts. Why not host a fundraiser at your school or workplace to help raise awareness and much -needed funds? Contact us for more ideas or visit www.mndaq.org.au/page/107/fundraise 21 June - Blue Cornflower Tribute Ceremony coinciding with Global MND/ALS Day. More details on this muchloved community event will be coming in the new year. 6-11 Aug - Trek 4 MND Larapinta Challenge, a bucket-list adventure fundraiser and not to be missed. More info at www.mndaq.org.au/events/67/trek-4-mnd-larapinta-challenge
MND SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS & EDUCATION SESSIONS We welcome people with MND, their family and informal carers to join our MND Support Group Meetings and Education Sessions. In our Support Group Meetings you’ll get to meet other people who are experiencing their own MND journey so that you can share and learn from one another. During our Education Sessions you’ll hear from the MND Queensland team of experts as well as special guests about a range of topics to help people live better with MND. We’re hosting both in person sessions and some are a hybrid of both in person and online. To RSVP, get more information or a Microsoft Teams invite (or support to join online) email supportgroups@mndaq.org.au or call 07 3372 9004. Please refer to our website or social media for exact location details and education topics.
WHAT
WHERE
TIME
DATES
Gold Coast Support Group
Broadbeach Community Centre
10AM-12PM
1 Feb, 7 Mar, 4 Apr, 2 May, 6 June
Gold Coast Care & Connect
Gold Coast Business Hub Southport
1PM-3PM
17 Feb, 20 Apr, 15 June
Brisbane North Support Group
Chermside Library
10AM-12PM
8 Feb, 11 Apr, 13 June
Brisbane South Support Group
MND Queensland, Oxley
10AM- 12PM
14 Mar, 9 May
Townsville Support Group
Riverway Library, Thuringowa
10AM- 12PM
31 Jan, 27 Mar, 29 May
Cairns Support Group
Yorkey’s Knob Community Centre
12.30PM– 1.30PM
22 Feb, 28 Mar, 25 Apr, 23 May, 27 June
Bribie Island Support Group
Bribie Island Community Arts Centre
10.30 AM– 12PM
1 Feb, 4 Apr, 6 June
Sunshine Coast Support Group - TBC
Maroochydore RSL
10.30AM – 12PM
7 Mar, 2 May
Manual Handling Training for Carers
MND Queensland, Oxley
9:00AM - 12:30 AM
19 Jan, 22 Mar
Newly Diagnosed
Online
10:30AM - 12:30PM
15 Dec, 9 Feb & 8 Mar
Newly Diagnosed
Broadbeach Library
10:3AM - 12:30PM
23 Feb
MND QUEENSLAND DONATION FORM - SUMMER 2023/2024 NEWSLETTER I would like to donate: $........................(write amount)
I’d like to give this amount monthly via my credit card
I am paying by: Visa MasterCard Cash Cheque/Money Order (made out to MND Queensland) For direct deposit donation details, please call 07 3372 9004 or email info@mndaq.org.au My Details:
Card Number:
Name:……………………...…………..………
Address:…………………………..…………… Suburb:…………………………..…………….
Card Expiry:
CSC:
(3-digit CSC on back of card)
State:…………….Postcode:……..…………. Phone:………………………..………………..
Cardholder’s Name:………………………………………………………………………..
Email:………………………..………………… Cardholder’s Signature:…………………………………………………………………… Send to: MND Queensland, PO Box 470, INALA QLD 4077 Please send me information about leaving a gift in my Will Or, if you are using a credit card you can call us on 07 3372 9004 or donate online at www.mndaq.org.au/donations Motor Neurone Disease Association of Queensland Incorporated. ABN 75 990 922 939
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