MSWA Bulletin Magazine Autumn 18

Janet was a year seven school teacher before her diagnosis
in 2011, and her ability to verbalise was her first loss. Janet
is doing well by what can be expected and makes every post
a winner.
After my diagnosis in 1979 and requalifying as an Historian
in 1983, I spent the next 32 years teaching at Murdoch
University, and it seems to me that the most important
function of teaching art and science is to arouse and keep
alive this feeling of a cosmic experience in those people who
are receptive. It was ‘high-fives’ after the moon emerged to
continue on her cosmic journey, so I’m sure Janet agrees.
Do people with a chronical neurological illness acquire a
new insightfulness? I believe we do. Even with these nasty
neurological pieces of work attacking our bodies we are
continually trying to heal ourselves. Thankfully we are not
alone as we look for ways to patch things up, revitalise our
spirits and prepare our minds for the challenges our condition
will impose upon us.
In this issue of your Bulletin, Marcus discusses the NDIS,
the construction of the new Butler facility, and the staff long
service awards.
Sue Shapland talks about ‘change’, the renovations taking
place at MSWA, and why. There are several new Outreach
centres being established, and more planned with funds set
aside in the forward estimates. Sue’s concentrated Roundup
of MS Research follows. Sue has also found time to review
Maggie Beer’s latest book of recipes for dietary changes
that have the potential to help ward off chronic conditions
and Alzheimer’s.
Everyone needs a little help, and in this issue, Sarah Lorrimar,
Coordinator of Health Education and Peer Support, has
organised several articles from our busy counsellors on
brain health, brain therapy, sound and cognition, and how
writing can enhance personal growth by creating a sense of
empowerment and control.
Nigel Carey updates us on the NDIS rollout and Ros Harman
tells you what it is like to be swept up in the procedures of
the NDIS.
You will find that our regular contributor’s Ros Harman and
Narelle Taylor have returned for 2018. We also have a special
article from Carl Marche, a carer with a refreshing outlook.
We definitely want to hear more from the unsung heroes – the
carers of people with multiple sclerosis
The effervescent Dawn Burke tells us all about her
volunteers and the outreach news completes the suite.
Thank you for your contributions, keep them coming,
and on behalf of the team here at the Bulletin treadmill,
we hope you enjoy this remarkably informative stunning
blood-red super-blue-moon special Bulletin.
Do you want to receive
the Bulletin online?
Want monthly
information updates?
Register your email address today to start receiving our
monthly Vitality e-newsletter and the Bulletin magazine online.
Just email damien.hill@mswa.org.au or call 9365 4814
and let us know your current email address.
4 | MSWA BULLETIN AUTUMN 2018