MSWA Bulletin Magazine Winter 2017

A message from the General Manager –
Member Services
SUE SHAPLAND RN, BN
“When you can’t change the direction of the wind – adjust your sails,”
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
I think this quote has relevance in many ways. People
living with MS I am sure can relate to having to make some
adjustments of their sails throughout their individual journey;
some people probably more times than others.
As you are aware, the winds of change continue to blow
across the disability sector, with the roll out of the National
Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) with all its benefits and
challenges, and with the aged care sector commencing their
revamped model this year.
The NDIS in WA continues to roll out, although we are still
unclear on the new Government’s review of the previous
decision. Whilst increasingly we hear of challenges and issues
with the NDIS in the Eastern States mainly due to the sheer
volume and timeframes involved.
Then of course there are the internal MSWA changes that
have been recently announced which include the imminent
retirement of Dave Bugden, General Manager of Brand,
Marketing and Sales, and the resignation of Marcus, our
CEO. These departures are huge for most of us at MSWA –
Members, staff and volunteers included – as both have played
pivotal roles in steering MSWA into the successful position we
proudly hold today.
For over 15 years now, Dave Bugden has been vital to our
success in fundraising and raising our brand awareness.
The Funds raised have allowed Member Services to continue
to grow programs, staffing and build numerous facilities
including Treendale Gardens, Hamilton Hill and the Bunbury
Community and Health Services Hub. I would personally like
to thank Dave for his hard work and untiring support of all
things MSWA; enjoy your well-earned retirement!
As for Marcus, where do I start? I was very fortunate to
be recruited by Marcus in 2003 and feel privileged to have
worked with him, and our Senior Management team, over the
past 14 and a half years. MSWA today is almost a world away
from when we started thanks to his commitment, business
acumen, dedication and vision. Our success, and the very
solid position in which he will leave us, has been as a result of
hard work and innovation, the support of an excellent Board
and our greatest asset – our staff and volunteers! We will all
miss Marcus but thank him for his undying commitment over
the past 15 years and wish him well on his future endeavours.
We have recently had another MS treatment approved under
the PBS, Zinbryta, and eagerly await approval for Ocrelizumab
which is also the first product to have also shown promise for
people with progressive MS.
There are several positive changes imminent with our
proposed re-location of the Wangara office to a larger, more
suitable premises in Joondalup. We will also be seeking new
premises in Armadale, Mandurah and Busselton to be more
accessible for Members and NDIS Clients in those areas. Our
Butler services hub and high support accommodation complex
will also commence construction later this year. MSWA is
very fortunate to be able to fund such expansions and bring
services closer to home for our Members and Clients.
Once again, we will be allocating a record amount of funds
to MS Research this year. We will bring you updates on the
allocation of the funds and outcomes from research already
funded by MSWA.
The Member Services team continues to grow and add new
programs and MS resources for our Members. For example,
we now have massage in several new regional areas including
Geraldton, Northam, Manjimup and Margaret River.
Our annual MS Awareness Week Members’ Forum was
held on June 2 this year and I’ll provide an overview of the
presentations in our next Bulletin.
Please don’t forget our Member Services team is here
to help you. Whether it’s for information on the latest
treatments or lifestyle advice, research updates or
a service you require please don’t hesitate to make
contact. We are a phone call away and can be reached on
08 9365 4888 or email us at get-in-touch@mswa.org.au
Want to access research articles?
Here are the places you can access up to date research
articles relating to multiple sclerosis:
• Vitality – Our monthly research focussed e-newsletter
• Our website – https://mswa.org.au/news/latest-news
• Right here as part of your Member magazine Bulletin.
It includes great research articles and information every quarter.
Just email communications@mswa.org.au if you would like any further information.
6 | MSWA BULLETIN WINTER 2017