MSWA2016302 Network Magazine Spring 16 v4

From the desk of the CEO
Marcus Stafford
A message from the General Manager
– Client Services – Sue Shapland
In an Olympic year, it is very fitting that the MS Society of
South Australia and the Northern Territory (MSSANT) finish
in a record breaking position of strength.
Through what has been a true team effort, we have
recorded a positive performance across all areas of the
business, and the Society sees itself firmly on very solid
ground with an exciting future ahead.
Some of the highlights include:
• The posting of the highest gross revenue and net profit/
surplus in the Society’s history.
• A return to contributing financially to both MS Australia
and to MS Research Australia.
• The repayment of a substantial portion of the Society’s
debt. Our outstanding loan balance now stands at
$433,333 – down from $1,150,000 just two years ago.
• 30% growth in Client services for the year. Real things
to real people. Allied healthcare services that make a
significant difference in the lives of people with MS.
• In line with strategy, the growth of our footprint including
the new Client services hub at Hillcrest.
We are now in fantastic shape to welcome the full roll out
of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
It was recently announced that this will occur progressively,
across the State, over the next two years with adults able
to register for the Scheme and assess their eligibility,
from 1 July 2017.
To extend the imagery of our Olympic year, victories are
always sweet. But ‘come from behind’ victories are perhaps
the sweetest of them all.
As many will recall, life for the Society was perilously
difficult three years ago and so our turnaround in recent
years is a proud moment in our history.
Our healthy position allows the Society to return to local
management and I am sure the Board, Management and
staff are all excited and eager to work with Helen McLean
as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Society.
Helen will officially commence her full duties shortly, and
is already on board working closely with me through the
transition process.
This will, therefore, be the last time I have the privilege of
writing a Network article as your CEO. As I fade into the
Western Australian sunset, I look back with satisfaction on a
challenging, but ultimately rewarding journey for our Society.
Although, as CEO, I am delighted to take the bouquets that
go with the outstanding results that have been delivered,
(just as I would have taken the brick bats!), it has been
a true team effort. This result has only been achieved
with a courageous and supportive Board, a truly brilliant
management team, both in Western Australia and South
Australia and a dedicated workforce of over 100 staff
working tirelessly for the ultimate benefit of people with MS.
The foundations are in place and the Society is poised to go
from strength to strength. So, I will watch the progress of
the Society with more than just a little interest. I will enjoy
the positive developments for people with MS, knowing that
once upon a time, I played a small part in leading a team
that helped to lay the foundations of success.
My sincere best wishes and unswerving confidence for
the Society’s successful future.
“We should always have three friends in our lives - one who walks ahead who
we look up to and follow; one who walks beside us, who is with us every step of our journey;
and then, one who we reach back for and bring along after we’ve cleared the way.”
Michelle Obama
There is so much going on at the moment both here and
overseas it’s hard not to get caught up in the hype and feel
that at times we live in a slightly crazy world; but also a
pretty lucky country.
I know you should never talk politics but the possibility of
Donald Trump being the next President of the USA is a bit
of a challenge for me! The ongoing random acts of terror
make us both concerned but also grateful that for the
most part we live in a country buffered from much of this
unpleasantness. Watching the news isn’t always enjoyable
although the Olympics provided some much needed respite.
I think we can often focus on the negatives and then fail to
appreciate what we can be grateful for, both now and into
the future. We are really lucky we have subsidised access
to all of the MS therapies; many countries including the UK
don’t. This provides greater choice and the opportunity to
switch therapies if things aren’t going as planned.
Our health system has its faults and issues but overall it’s pretty
good and the standard is high and access relatively easy.
The NDIS is another reason to be glad we are living in
Australia. When this Scheme reaches full roll out, over
460,000 people with disability will be participating and
receiving funding to access the supports they need. Whilst
access is currently limited to designated trial sites, planned
roll out areas by postcode and age groupings, the planning
for full roll out is under way. I have provided an update on
the NDIS again in this issue. We hear many positive stories
from people with MS, and others, who are now in receipt of
individual funding for the first time. This continually validates
the decision for this massive policy change.
Through diligent management of expenses, and some funds
raised through events, donations, raffles and the Game
Changer Lottery, we have been able to grow our Client
Services Team and the service hours delivered.
Whilst our team is small, they really do work hard to ensure
there is a range of supports and informational resources and
seminars available throughout the year. The Peer Support
Groups continue to provide a vital link and the MS Assist
line is there to link you with the team or provide you with the
information you are seeking. Our Occupational Therapists
are a very enthusiastic group and Anna even skydived in the
name of MS! Read about it on page 26 of this edition.
The most exciting development has been the re-location
of the head office to Hillcrest and of course the recent
appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer Helen
McLean. Hillcrest provides us with a roomy, centrally
located position and importantly, brings the Client Services
Team together with space to create consulting rooms and a
physiotherapy area. It has a great feel about it and the staff
are keen to have some new Client opportunities to share
with you soon.
This winter has been pretty cold, with some challenging
storms here in SA; I think everyone is now glad to see spring
arrive. I hope you have avoided the dreaded flu and things
are going okay for you.
If you would like to make contact with any of the
Client Services Team for advice or information, please
don’t hesitate to give Amy a call on the MS Assist line
1800 812 311 and she will help you with your enquiry.
MSSANT has had a successful financial year in many ways!
4 Spring 2016 The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory Spring 2016 5