MSWA Bulletin Magazine Autumn 18

FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO
MARCUS STAFFORD
“Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.”
Alan Cohen
In many respects this quote defines effective organisations.
Our world is so fast-paced, that waiting for perfection would
be an exercise in futility! We are very conscious of this at
MSWA and understand that the sensible management of
today’s risks creates tomorrow’s environment.
Towards the end of 2017, the State Government made the
important and long-awaited decision regarding the National
Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Western Australia. We
now have clarity regarding the future, and WA will join the
federally funded NDIS from 1 July 2018.
Although we were clear about the model that we felt offered
best fit for people with disabilities in WA, our approach at
MSWA is - and always has been - to support either decision
wholeheartedly, and to do everything within our power to
make it work. Our charter to serve Members and Clients as
the Scheme rolls out across Western Australia made that
a critical principle. By 2020, all areas of WA will be part of
the NDIS.
People already in the Western Australian Scheme (WANDIS)
will continue to receive services and will be fully transitioned
into the National Scheme. I am pleased that MSWA is an
approved NDIS service provider and we welcome new,
eligible participants. We never forget that it is our Members
and Clients who live with their neurological condition every
day, and our goal is to help them with the path they choose,
and to ensure they are maximising their benefits.
I’m pleased to share that we have commenced construction
of the new MSWA Supported Accommodation and Services
Facility, in the northern suburbs of Perth. The $8 million
facility in Butler will include a services hub – a one-stop shop
for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological
conditions, as well as a high support accommodation facility.
Residents will have their own self-contained unit, set within
a safe environment, that includes onsite 24-hour, 7-day-aweek
care for younger people who may have otherwise had
to face the frightening possibility of living in an aged-care
facility. With a decent following breeze and a normal winter
that doesn’t hold up the build, we believe that the welcome
mat will be laid out for Members and Clients in early 2019.
This facility could not have been built without the strong
foundations of our ongoing commercial activities and financial
success. Neither would we have achieved our continued
growth in Member and Client services, nor our leadership
position as the largest funder of MS research in Australia.
With that in mind, and with three quarters of the budget year
behind us, we are keen to finish well. I am pleased to report
that our financials are strong on profit and loss for current
trading, cashflow for operation, and in our balance sheet that
safeguards our future.
The results are in for the MSWA Albany Swim and the inaugural
Albany Ride, which saw over 300 participants come together
to support the South West community, raising tremendous
funds for people with MS and other neurological conditions.
Congratulations and thank you for your continued support.
Our 700+ staff do a brilliant job and I am constantly proud
of their dedication and performance. Some are ‘newbies’,
bringing fresh ideas and thinking. Others are seasoned
campaigners bringing history and experience to the play. All
are valued. As MSWA secures its position as an employer
of choice, it is very pleasing to note that 14 staff will be
receiving long service awards in the forthcoming ceremony,
celebrating their personal milestones, ranging from 10 to 25
years’ service.
What’s coming up? World MS Day Wednesday, 30 May is fast
approaching and MSWA will once again be providing lots of
opportunities for involvement. Plus, our annual Step Up For
MSWA (the stair-climb of Perth’s tallest building) is in June.
Stay tuned.
And so, our approach will remain. To continue to work
hard as we create those new beginnings, and in turn,
strive for ‘perfection’ for our Members and Clients.
Until next time.
MSWA BULLETIN AUTUMN 2018 | 5