MSWA Bulletin Magazine Spring 2021

STRATEGIC SUPPORTS
AND RESIDENTIAL
OPTIONS
SUE SHAPLAND RN, BN, MSCN
GENERAL MANAGER
STRATEGIC SUPPORTS AND
RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS
“Only look back to see how
far you have come.”
Winnie the Pooh.
Now, who knew Winnie the Pooh
was so wise? How true is this
great saying, and it applies in so
many ways!
There have – and will be – many
times we reflect and remember
where we have come from, but
often we don’t do it enough. We are
so busy looking forward and just
doing the job, that we don’t stop to
see what we have achieved and feel
a bit proud. But we should.
Take MSWA – we are 50 next year
– that’s a long way to look back,
but the journey is worth thinking
about. Back in 1972, when MS was
hard to diagnose and there were no
treatments, a small number of WA
folks established a support group.
And look where we are now!
There are over 12 treatments,
diagnosis is much easier
and MSWA now proudly
supports people living with all
neurological conditions.
MSWA has grown significantly over
the last 19 years in particular and
experienced great success in so
many ways, and that can be directly
linked back to when Marcus Stafford
joined the organisation as CEO. As
you know Marcus said farewell to us
in October; we all wish him well and
he will be greatly missed!
Under Marcus’ expertise and
stewardship, with the support of
the MSWA Board, management,
and staff, we have achieved great
success and risen to heights many
can only dream of. At the core of
this success has been the desire to
advocate for, and support our Clients
to have, a better quality of life and
better outcomes. Pre-NDIS, MSWA
allocated funds (raised through our
events, raffles and of course the
Mega Home Lottery) to supplement
government funding. This allowed
us to build new accommodation
and services centres and of course
to grow our commitment to
neurological research. Looking back
really shows us how far we have
come and what has been achieved.
Then it’s head down and follow the
course as there’s so much more to
be done!
On a personal note, I joined MSWA
in 2003, having been recruited
by Marcus. The long list of
achievements are certainly not lost
on me. I would like to thank Marcus
for being at the helm of what is now
a super yacht and wish him all the
best with his next chapter!
We are really getting excited now
as construction of the Albany
development ploughs ahead
and we plan to open in March
next year. Both the supported
accommodation units and the
Services Centre will be amazing; I
can’t wait to see the end product
once it’s all fitted out.
As most people have heard we have
proudly committed $10 million for
neurological research this year – that
is amazing in anyone’s language. We
are proudly supporting a number of
WA-based projects and we will keep
you updated on their progress and
any opportunities for participation.
The recent Client Forum showcased
some of the talent and we did film
the session and the links will be
shared for those interested.
Spring has sprung, although winter
was threatening to return at one
stage, and Christmas is looming. I
hope we all get some family time
over the break and that COVID
doesn’t spoil our fun. I think the last
eighteen months have reaffirmed
how great it is to live in WA!
Take care, we look forward to a new
year with hopefully more freedom
to move around for those itching to
travel. Please stay safe.
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