MSWA Bulletin Magazine Summer 2023

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MSWA
Summer 2023
mswa.org.au
INSIDE
Albany physiotherapist Suzanne Rice and
Metro Lower South Care Support Worker
Joanne Ingham are our inaugural Difference
Makers of the Year - as voted by you!

WILSON CENTRE
29 Parkhill Way 9365 4888
Fax 9451 4453
Freecall 1800 287 367
See Health Team Dept contacts on this page
SERVICES DIRECTORY
CHIEF CLIENT OPERATIONS OFFICER –
MEMBER & CLIENT SERVICES
Nicola Washington 9365 4840
MANAGER ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES
Carol Chong 9365 4873
NDIS TEAM 9365 4824
OUTREACH GROUPS
Wilson Outreach 9365 4830
Beechboro Lodge 9377 7800
Southside Outreach 9592 9202
Albany Outreach 6154 5149
Bunbury 6454 2800
MANAGER CLINICAL SERVICES
Vanishree Chetti 9365 4818
MARGARET DOODY RESPITE HOUSE
Senior Coordinator,
Nelly Higginson 9385 9574
FERN RIVER ACCOMMODATION
Manager, Danuta Figurska 9356 2747
HAMILTON HILL ACCOMMODATION
Manager, Jo Nouwland 9331 5780
TREENDALE GARDENS
RESPITE & ACCOMMODATION
Manager, Linda Kidd 9725 9209
BUTLER SUPPORTED
ACCOMMODATION FACILITY
Manager, Chris Rush 6154 5120
ALBANY SUPPORTED
ACCOMMODATION FACILITY
Manager, Kate Jones 6154 5085
CONTACT US
If you would like to comment on anything
you read in this Bulletin please email
bulletin@mswa.org.au or write to
MSWA, Locked Bag 2, Bentley DC WA 6983
For general feedback or complaints please
contact Davina Sawyer 6454 3173 or
feedback@mswa.org.au
EDITORIAL WORKING GROUP
Nicola Washington, Tony Millar,
Emily Ace and Nicolette Murphy.
CONTRIBUTORS
Geoff Hutchinson, Carol Chong,
Dajana Tesevic, Vanishree Chetti,
Denise Vogels, James Beckett,
Tracey Hockey, Misty Reinkowsky
and Crystal Chan.
The Editorial Working Group welcomes
unsolicited submissions.
All articles are subject to a reviewing
process. The views expressed are those
of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the view of MSWA’s staff, advisors,
directors or officers.
NURSING
Our Neurological Liaison Nurses are usually the first point of contact after the
neurologist’s diagnosis.
COMMUNITY NURSE: 9365 4888
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Our team provides treatment interventions to develop and maintain mobility
and function.
JAMES BECKETT, MANAGER: 9365 4837 OR PHYSIO DEPARTMENT: 9365 4834
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational Therapists enable Clients to continue their work and other interests
for as long as possible through advice, aids and equipment.
CRYSTAL CHAN, MANAGER: 9365 4804 OR OT DEPARTMENT: 9365 4888
SPEECH PATHOLOGY
Our Speech Pathologists assess, diagnose and create individualised treatment
programs for Clients who experience swallowing and/or communication difficulties.
PAMELA WINDRAM, MANAGER: 6454 3140
DIETETICS
Dietitians are university-qualified nutrition experts who promote general health
and disease prevention/management through dietary changes.
PAMELA WINDRAM, MANAGER: 6454 3140
COUNSELLING, PEER SUPPORT & HEALTH EDUCATION
Talking with a Counsellor creates a safe, respectful and confidential environment
for you and those close to you to explore options, create change or gain
understanding about your life.
LISA PAPAS, MANAGER: 9365 4836
OR COUNSELLING DEPARTMENT: 9365 4811
SOCIAL WELFARE
Social Welfare Officers assist Clients and their families to access services
and supports to remain living independently at home. They specialise in case
management, advocacy and sourcing funding options.
KATH KNIGHTS, MANAGER: 9365 4835
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
We provide long-term and time limited in-home supports including assistance
with personal care, to help people remain in their homes. Care and supports
are provided through a combination of funding from the Department of
Communities - Disability Services, and our own fundraising efforts.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT TEAM: community.support@mswa.org.au
CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
Our experienced teams will provide you with personalised support right
throughout your NDIS journey. From helping you to access the NDIS to working
with you to get the most from your plan, our trained staff are here to help.
GEOFF HUTCHINSON, MANAGER CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT: 9365 4879
CAMPS & RECREATION
MSWA provides separate recreation camps for Clients, carers, and families,
primarily funded by Lotterywest, and for a nominal cost to participants.
These camps provide a break from daily routines, and strengthen friendships
and support networks.
MALA PADMANATHAN, COORDINATOR FOR CAMPS & RECREATION: 6454 3184
AGED CARE
MSWA delivers all levels of Home Care Packages to eligible people with a neurological
condition who are over 65. Services are delivered by staff specifically trained in home
care for older Western Australians who are living with a neurological condition.
JAY NARROO, AGED CARE COORDINATOR: 6154 5194
EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT
The MSWA Employment Support Service is the only specialist employment service
for people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions in
Western Australia and can help you to stay in your current job or find employment
in the open labour market.
LEIGH MCCAFFREY, EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT SERVICES MANAGER: 1300 865 209
WELCOME
Welcome to the Summer 2023 edition of Bulletin. We hope you enjoy the news, stories and
service information we have brought to you this quarter.
CONTENTS
2
3

FROM OUR CEO
MEMBER & CLIENT SERVICES
It is refreshing to write this
In January, we called for
Our third area of change is our
Welcome to the Summer Edition
We thank James Beckett and the
I would like to extend my sincere
message as we start the new
expressions of interest for the
Board. I'm delighted to welcome
of our Member & Client Services
Physiotherapy Team, as well as
congratulations to our inaugural
year with sunshine and hope. In
Client Advisory and Co-Design
three new directors.
Bulletin. I hope you all had a lovely
Brendan O'Leary and the Facilities
Difference Maker Award winners,
January last year we were still a
state in total lockdown and closed
borders! It's almost hard to believe.
I sense we are all starting this year
with a fresh perspective and a
renewed approach. Tough times
always change us, and hopefully
we can use our learnings to review
how we do things and find ways to
serve you better.
MSWA has many new initiatives
starting this year linked to our
purpose; Empowering People with
Neurological conditions to live
their best lives, which we are very
excited about.
The first is to step up our
collaboration and co-design with
Clients and people with direct
lived experience of a neurological
condition. Gone are the days when
we do things ‘for and to’ the people
we exist to support – we need to
truly listen, engage and do things
‘with’ our Clients and the broader
‘ecosystem’ we work within.
Committee and we have been
overwhelmed by the response
from Clients. Expressions of
interest are now closed and we
will announce our full committee
shortly. I am so passionate about
this project, its potential to
make us see things differently
and pave the way to make a
greater impact.
In line with our Client centred
focus, we launched our inaugural
Difference Maker of the Year award.
We asked Clients to nominate
staff members who truly make a
difference to their lives and were so
pleased to be inundated with 110
nominations in the first year. Our
winners (yes plural, we couldn’t
choose between them!) were
Physiotherapist Suzanne Rice from
Albany and Care Support Worker
Joanne Ingham from the Metro
Lower South team. You can read
all about these special women on
pages 10 to 13.
Our second area of renewal is to
update and contemporise our
Constitution to reflect the nature
of what we do now, taking into
account the size and complexity
/ John Patmore joins us as a
member living with MS, who
brings incredible experience
and skills in IT as we focus on
new digital opportunities and
address cyber risks in this era.
/ Kathryn (Kate) Gatti joins
with invaluable skills and
experience in clinical
governance and service quality.
We have long needed this skill
set on the Board.
/ Benjamin Jardine brings
extensive experience in
the NDIS funding and
management space, including
accommodation support.
Lastly, we look ahead to our Albany
facility celebrating its first year of
operation in April and hopefully
the commencement of two new
exciting developments in Shenton
Park and Golden Bay. Another
key focus of 2023 will be to set our
strategy around where to expand
our High-Support Accommodation,
Respite and services support to
better meet the needs of West
Australians with neurological
conditions.
festive break and a wonderful
start to 2023.
It was great to end last year
with our wonderful Client and
Volunteers Christmas Party – what
a fabulous party with an impressive
turnout. The delicious meal and
marvellous entertainment from
our very own talent pool at MSWA
was amazing, along with music
played by Fenton Oldmeadow
and the harmonious singing from
the Bletchley Park Primary School
Choir. A big thanks to everyone
who worked in front and behind
the scenes, including our friends
at QBE who lent us a team of
volunteers, you all made the day
a success.
The start to 2023 was highlighted
by the official opening of our
upgraded gym space at MSWA
Wilson. On 11 January we held
a morning tea to open the gym
following the wonderful work
undertaken to accomplish more
space and provide new gym
equipment for our Clients to utilise.
Team for delivering the project
over the Christmas break. We are
very grateful to our supporters who
donated an incredible $27,000 at
last year’s MSWA Dinner Auction,
your generosity enabled us to
make these changes which will
expand our services. A big thank
you for your incredible impact.
See the pictures on
We have now implemented our
new Client Management System.
We have been busy learning
new processes and training our
teams on the new technology. As
such, you may have noticed a few
changes, including our Support
Workers using the new scheduling
app. As with anything new, it
takes a bit of time to get used to.
As we settle the systems in, we
can start to gain the benefits and
improvements.
As we start fresh for 2023, we can
commence our next projects.
The focus on our horizon is to
begin building our new service
delivery model to further provide
person-centred care. I am
looking forward to building on
the information and insights we
Suzanne Rice and Joanne Ingham,
two incredible professionals
recognised by our Clients for
their compassion, expertise and
dedication. You are a credit to our
organisation and MSWA is lucky to
have you. It was heartening to see
the outpour of gratitude for our
staff and we look forward to seeing
the awards grow bigger and better
in 2023.
As we are now in the midst
of summer, we have provided
some useful tips on keeping
cool during hot nights on
and staying hydrated
(and why it is so important)
on
As always, your feedback is
important to us. If you have
anything you would like to
share, please contact us at
feedback@mswa.org.au.
Stay safe and enjoy the
summertime.
NICOLA WASHINGTON
CHIEF CLIENT
OPERATIONS OFFICER
of our organisation. We will be
sending out further information
and invitations to discussion
sessions on this topic in the
next few months.
All of these changes will help
us to do what we exist to
do – to truly make a positive
difference in the lives of the
people we support. I look
forward to working with you
and learning from you as we
gathered towards the end of last
year to inform our service model.
We will be asking for your feedback
and input as we pilot new ideas, to
ensure we continue to provide the
services and supports you need
with added improvements.
forge ahead to do an even
better job this year.
MELANIE KIELY
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Smiles all around at the Client
and Volunteer Christmas Party.
4
5

RESEARCH
RESEARCH IN FOCUS
We thought we would start the New Year with a look at a few MSWA
funded projects across a variety of Western Australian institutions
including Perron Institute, ECU, and Curtin University. Check out the
four projects we are highlighting in this edition of Bulletin.
EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY
SPIN Research Program – Savour
CURTIN UNIVERSITY
Discoveries around diet in MS
PERRON INSTITUTE
Demyelinating Diseases
Many people with MS turn to the
Led by Group Director, Clinical Professor Allan Kermode
Professor Joanne Dickson
Improving and maintaining quality
of life is the main objective of Edith
Cowan University’s MSWA funded SPIN
(Systematic Profiling in Neurological
Conditions) Research Program, with
mental health being a major focus.
Savour is a novel, imagery-based
technique that uses positive
memories to promote improvements
in mental well-being. Individualised
guided imagery encourages
participants to revisit and savour a
recent positive memory. Participants
then project positive outlooks
for events in the future and
savour the anticipated positive
emotions elicited.
Professor Joanne Dickson at ECU says,
“Affective savouring techniques like
Savour have been shown to increase
hope and happiness in people living
with mental health conditions such
as psychosis and post-traumatic
stress disorder. Imagery-based
interventions have been shown to
improve mood and quality of life,
and reduce fatigue in MS.”
We are currently completing the final
assessments of an initial trial and
planning the next steps for the full
trial, which will include people with
all neurological conditions and their
carers. To find out more contact
spin@ecu.edu.au or keep an eye out for
updates in MSWA’s Vitality Newsletter.
internet for advice on diet, but
navigating the information can
be confusing and stressful. As
Associate Professor Lucinda Black,
team leader of the MS Nutrition
Education Program at Curtin
University, has identified “people
with MS are so interested in diet
and motivated to make healthy
changes. Helping them make the
right, evidence-based food choices
is a privilege.”
Their vision is to remove the
confusion about diet and promote
healthy eating among people with
MS – something Lucinda loves
doing and loves about her job.
MSWA’s support of the MS
Nutrition Education Program over
the past seven years has enabled
Associate Professor Lucinda Black
and her team to build much
needed research capacity for WA.
Over the years, the team has
been able to expand on four
interconnected pillars of research:
1. Lived experience (talking to
people with MS and health
professionals about food,
nutrition and special diets);
2. Epidemiology (testing whether
diet is linked to MS onset and
progression using studies from
around the world);
3. Nutrition education
(co-designing nutrition
resources and education
programs with people with MS);
4. Clinical trials (developing trials
to help improve diet quality
among people with MS).
Associate Professor Lucinda Black
The team has already shown
links between diet and MS onset,
including a beneficial effect of the
Mediterranean diet, lower ultraprocessed
food intake and higher
fish consumption. They are now
testing these dietary patterns and
foods with disease progression to
determine their potential benefits,
a step that is hugely exciting. As
one participant commented about
the research, “what you're doing
right now is vital to any MS person,
and I’m just one person. I just
feel really grateful that you cared
enough to take me on”.
The team recently developed a
six-week online nutrition education
program, co-designed with people
with MS and tested with 70
participants. Preliminary results
show that the program helps to
improve food choices and gives
people a better understanding
about food and nutrition. The
feedback will help improve the
program, which will run as a larger
study in the future. “When people
with MS tell us we are making a
difference, I know we're on the
right track,” Lucinda said.
Anyone interested in finding out
more about getting involved in the
research program, please contact:
MSDietProject@curtin.edu.au
This research team including Dr
Marzena Fabis-Pedrini, Dr. Belinda
Kaskow and Dr. Stephanie Trend is
involved in a number of research
projects to investigate the clinical
profile of different subgroups of
Western Australian patients with MS,
which is a demyelinating disease.
Specifically, under their banner
of MRI and genetic research, the
team are:
/ Examining antibodies in
Relapsing-remitting multiple
sclerosis (RRMS)
/ Conducting brain and serum
neurofilament light analysis
in people with benign and
non-benign MS
PERRON INSTITUTE
Brain Plasticity
Led by Associate Professor Jenny Rodger
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability
to reorganise itself by forming new
neural connections throughout life.
Associate Professor Rodger and her
research team aim to understand
brain plasticity and how to harness
it, thereby producing new and
effective treatments for patients
with a wide range of neurological
and neuropsychiatric conditions
including mental illness.
A key focus of the team is
research into the neuroplasticity
mechanisms that are specific
to brain development, with the
goal of supporting healthy brain
function throughout life.
/ Collecting clinical samples
over time
/ Investigating biomarkers in MS
/ Looking at genetic determinants
through immunophenotyping
/ Conducting quantitative MRI
studies including building an
MRI library, clinical comparisons,
collaborative studies, walking
rehabilitation through music,
and the development of exercise
guidelines for MS
Additional research is being
conducted in cellular immunology,
B-cell regulation and T-cell interaction,
post-mortem single-cell sequencing
from brain tissues and antigen
discovery to identify the cause of MS.
As well as pursuing innovative
and cutting-edge research into
neuroplasticity, this team is
also designing evidence-based
treatment protocols for human
clinical trials using transcranial
magnetic stimulation for the
rehabilitation of stroke, MS
and more.
Their research also explores the
biological basis of neuropsychiatric
conditions such as depression
and anxiety, and investigates
treatments such as non-invasive
stimulation and novel therapeutics.
Clinical Professor Allan Kermode
Associate Professor Jenny Rodger
The hope remains to confirm the
benefit of treatments, including
transcranial magnetic stimulation,
that build new pathways and
increase repair in the brain
through non-invasive interventions
which complement standard
rehabilitation therapies and
improve outcomes.
6
7

CLIENT ENGAGEMENT TEAM
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD
FOR A BETTER NDIS
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
DREAMING OF AN
OOLER NIGHTS’ SLEEP
As covered in the Spring 2022
Thankfully the NDIA has made it
As Occupational Therapists,
Edition of Bulletin, the National
Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)
recently released their 2022 – 2026
Corporate Plan outlining the
direction the Scheme will head
over the next period.
One of the key takeaways from
the document was a focus on
participant engagement, stating
very easy to share your experiences
and ideas by providing online
options to capture feedback.
These include answering a standard
online questionnaire or uploading a
written, audio or video submission if
you would prefer to speak at length.
The NDIA is seeking answers or
feedback on four key questions
we are often on the lookout for
up-to-date Assistive Technology
that aims to make life a little easier
for our Clients.
Many of our Clients experience
thermoregulatory dysfunction
which means it is difficult for
their bodies to regulate their
temperature according to the
Client and MSWA Wilson staff member
Tracey Hockey has had an OOLER for
about six months and provided the
following review:
“I received my OOLER during winter
2022 after wanting to know what new
tech was available to get me into
continuous sleep without waking many
times in the night overheated.
“for the Scheme to succeed, it is
critical that we listen and work with
participants, their families and
the disability community to make
sure that each improvement is a
step in the right direction.” Step
one was for the NDIA to listen, so
how will they do that?
The answer became apparent in
October, when National Disability
Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Minister Bill Shorten announced
an independent review of the
NDIS, to improve the wellbeing of
Australians with disability and the
Scheme’s sustainability.
The review will seek to examine
the Scheme’s design, operations
and sustainability. It will also look
at ways to make the market and
workforce more responsive and
sustainable. Most importantly, it
will seek to work with participants,
their families and providers to put
people with disability at the centre
of the NDIS. These are significant
and worthy goals, so we all must
speak up and help achieve them.
as a starting point for this review.
These are;
1. What are your three main
problems or concerns with
the NDIS?
2. How do these three main
problems affect you and/or
others?
3. What do you think are possible
solutions to those problems?
4. What parts of the NDIS are
working well for you?
These questions will inform the
focus of the review to follow, so it is
important as both the neurological
and the Western Australian
community that your experiences
are included. If you would like to take
part in this round of reviews, visit
ndisreview.gov.au and click on the
link ‘Have your say’. From there, look
for the ‘Have your say online’ box
about halfway down the page and
choose your desired feedback option.
One important note to remember is
that while this is your first chance to
have your say, the NDIA has assured
us that it won't be your last, with
more opportunities as the review
progresses over the coming year.
Also, while you are looking around
the NDIS website, don’t forget
A common theme in these articles
is that the NDIA is most effective
when participants push the agency
to provide them with a plan that
suits their needs. Plans are better
when you tell your planner about
your actual needs, support is better
when you get to know your Local
Area Coordinator, and providers
like MSWA can provide further
tailored services when you're
engaged with us.
This is an important
opportunity to engage with
the people who have the
power to make the scheme
into something wonderful
or just another impersonal
funding Scheme.
Over the past couple of years, there
have been real concerns about the
NDIS and its direction. However,
while there is still much to be done,
there is now a renewed focus on
getting it right.
The NDIA has made the first step
by offering up a listening ear,
it’s now the responsibility of
us all to take part and help design
a better Scheme.
weather around them.
Particularly in these hot summer
days, it can be very difficult to have
a good night’s sleep. Our team
has discovered a device that can
help Clients with regulating their
temperature when they sleep.
The OOLER is a Smart Sleep
System which uses advanced
cooling technology to keep the
bed at a perfect temperature
for sleeping.
It consists of a cool mesh pad that
can be spread onto a mattress and
is then temperature controlled by
an app.
If you would like more information
about the OOLER, including funding
options, or any other technology or
strategies that could help you get
a better night's sleep, contact your
occupational therapist who can
do an assessment and navigate
options that would be best for you.
The first night I set it at 18 degrees and
slept through the night without waking
once! This was a record since having a stroke in 2016.
On the second night I organised the app to set up a Monday to
Friday schedule and a weekend schedule, which was very easy to
do. It worked a treat every night and I continued to sleep solidly,
even with the ‘cool’ doona over the top of me as it was winter.
I have had a brilliant outcome with the OOLER until we hit summer
and my schedule had to change, as I needed the bed to come
down in temperature to 14 degrees.
I really recommend the OOLER to anyone who is having thermosregulatory
issues (hot or cold) as once you set the OOLER at your
desired temperature, it keeps you in that zone. If you wake in the
night, you can change the setting on the unit itself or on the app.
Positives:
Negatives:
/ Water efficient and doesn't
need to be filled daily
/ Set up can be challenging -
you may need help to
/ It doesn’t make a lot of
lift mattress
noise (it is quieter than the
C-PAP machine)
/ May need assistance to fill
machine placed on the floor
/ Keeps you at a comfortable
temperature all night
/ It can feel a little bumpy in
bed the first few nights, but
/ King-single size fits one
you adjust to it quickly
side of a queen bed
/ Your partner will want to
/ App is easy to use
share it at certain times of
the year!
/ Machine washable
Overall, I give this cooling technology 9/10
to subscribe to the NDIS Review
newsletter to keep updated with the
latest outcomes from the review.
GEOFF HUTCHINSON
MANAGER CLIENT
ENGAGEMENT
CRYSTAL CHAN
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
MANAGER
8
9

OUR COMMUNITY
DIFFERENCE MAKER
OF THE YEAR
We held the inaugural Difference Maker Awards at the end of 2022 to celebrate the special people who live out
MSWA’s purpose and vision in everything they do.
Of the four categories, The Difference Maker Award was extra special as it was nominated by you – our Clients!
We were overwhelmed with more than 100 responses sharing gratitude for our hard-working frontline teams,
which resulted in nine deserving finalists:
/ Dajana Tesevic, Counsellor & Health Education and Peer Support Coordinator
/ Emma Chapman, Client Service Coordinator
/ Oliver Guttinger, Accredited Exercise Physiologist
/ Lisa Reardon, Social Welfare Officer
/ (Elle) Niramon Kullasin, Community Support Worker
/ Liesl Murdoch, Senior Counsellor
/ Karen Brown, Counsellor
Including our two worthy winners:
/ Joanne Ingham, Community Support Worker (Metro Lower South Team)
/ Suzanne Rice, Physiotherapist (Albany)
With such tight competition, it was impossible to choose just one! We took some time to learn a little
bit more about our award recipients and find out what this recognition means to them.
JOANNE INGHAM
It is Joanne’s mission in life to
assist her Clients to maintain
their independence for as long as
possible through her Care Support
role, in which she dedicates 100 per
cent of herself to every Client in
every session.
Although a natural-born care
giver, Care Support has not always
been Joanne’s career, having
pivoted from decades in business
ownership and bookkeeping.
The career transition was inspired
by her experience caring for her
mother post-operation, as well as a
dear family friend.
“[Mum] had her best friend from
Spain living with her because she
was terminal from cancer, so I
was running upstairs downstairs
between the two of them and I
quite enjoyed it,” Joanne said.
“There were a lot of laughs and of
course a bit of sadness.”
“To be able to help someone and
make them happier, make them
feel more valued and just to be of
assistance is what I get out of it.”
Inspired, Joanne completed
her studies remotely during the
COVID-19 lockdowns, selected
MSWA from a number of job
offers and hasn’t looked back.
“I picked MSWA because it was
more than just aged care,” she
said, “my mum has since been
diagnosed with dementia as well,
so I picked MSWA because it was
neurological.”
“It’s a hard job, but it is a lovely
job to think that you have
helped someone.”
“Sometimes I visit a Client and
they may not have had a good
couple of days, but the look on
their face when they see you, it is
just everything.”
Joanne with her Client Sue Bryan, who nominated the care support
worker for always going “above and beyond” in her duties to make a
significantly positive impact on her life.
Joanne said she was shocked
and delighted to be named
one of the Difference Makers
Award for 2022.
“I still have a big grin on my face. I
have never won anything, so it was
amazing,” she said.
“I do work really hard, and I
always give Clients my 100
per cent attention – I think that is
really important.”
“[The award] made me feel
thanked for that effort, I just feel
appreciated.”
The fact the award was Client
nominated made it that much
more special, “because they are
the ones I am doing it for”
according to Joanne.
“But it is not just me, we are all
a team, and we all get up every
morning and do what we need to
do to help these guys with their
everyday lives,” she said.
Joanne had a special message to
share with her Clients, particularly
the ones who nominated her.
“Thank you all so much, you are all
wonderful,” she said, “I love them
all in their own little ways.”
“It gives me pleasure to go to
work to be with these people
and I am sure I get just as
much out of them as they do
with me because I am forever
laughing with them.”
An excerpt of what our Clients had to say about Joanne:
“Jo remembers my quirky behaviors due to my neuro conditions,
which takes a lot of understanding and patience… Since day one of
having Jo as my support worker, she has treated me as Jo would
like her own mother treated under similar circumstances.”
“She shows me the utmost respect and we laugh, and she makes a
huge difference to my day. Jo is completely present in the moment
and I value and look forward to our time together.”
“Jo always goes the extra mile and doesn't treat it like a job as she
is always 100 per cent present.”
10
11

OUR COMMUNITY
DIFFERENCE MAKER
OF THE YEAR
SUZANNE RICE
A people-person through and
through, Suzanne’s passion is to
support her Clients to achieve their
goals and celebrate these wins as if
they are her own.
Moving to Albany with her family
in 2018, Suzanne has been our
solo physiotherapist in the regional
town and has worked hard to
build the service across her
five-year tenure.
“We have had a lot of changes,
we were in a little pocket
studio office for a long time
and with the opening of our new
facility in 2022 it’s been all go,”
Suzanne said.
“The Clients are staying with us
and finding improvements and
living their best lives, which
makes me think I am doing the
right thing.”
Suzanne sought out MSWA due
to her interest in neurological
physiotherapy, where each
individual has their own
unique complexity.
“It’s like a puzzle, but it’s not one
you are working on yourself,”
she said.
“It’s an interactive problem-solving
challenge with the individual Client
and then you get to celebrate their
wins as well.”
Working in the community
for MSWA allows Suzanne to
have a long journey with each
Client, forging strong relationships
unlike anything she had
experienced previously.
“When you see their smile and
their confidence build up, you
know you are doing a good job,”
she said.
“They come back and say, ‘I was
able to wash the dishes standing
up’ or ‘I managed those steps’ or ‘I
managed to get down the beach
to go for that swim’ – all those little
wins are really rewarding.”
“You are not only just a physio, you
are their coach, their friend, their
case manager – you have a whole
heap of different hats on for them.”
Suzanne strongly believes
“information is power” and works
to educate her Clients about their
bodies to ensure positive outcomes.
“Being able to teach people about
their bodies so that they can make
changes themselves, that is really
powerful,” she said.
“When they feel like they are losing
function, to be able to change it
around and see that they are actually
gaining ability and they can manage it
themselves and take control back, it’s
a real privilege to be able to instil that.”
“I care about making them feel
good, helping them feel good
and empowering themselves…
it’s my passion.”
On receiving the Difference Maker
Award, Suzanne was touched to
know Clients had made the effort
to nominate her in the first place,
let alone to have taken the title.
“When I got the call telling me that
I had won, it was a bit of a surprise,”
she said.
“It is always nice to have your
efforts recognised and the reason I
am here is for the Clients, so it was
really surreal.”
When asked what she would say to An excerpt of what our Clients had to say about Suzanne:
the Clients who nominated her, her “Suzanne has never judged me when I give up on myself and she
appreciation spilled over.
gets me back to where I need to be with my exercise programs. She
“They are all amazing – oh, I’m
makes my life worth living again for which I am eternally grateful.”
crying now,” she said.
“I went to Suzanne for the first time two years ago. I was lost and
confused… and I was scared. Suzanne helped me to make sense of
“For them to have that level
what my body was doing, she made me feel listened to and helped
of trust in me and helping
me to no longer be scared of the process.”
them on their journey is a real “Suzanne is an incredibly dedicated, friendly and kind professional
privilege and I thank them.”
who truly helps and enriches the life of every Client she works with.”
OUR PEER-NOMINATED WINNERS
The Trailblazer Award
A peer-nominated award
for new team members
who have shown leadership,
initiative and huge potential,
Leading with Purpose Award
This award is for team
members who live the MSWA
‘values and behaviours’ in
everything they do.
Change Maker Award
This award is for team members
who are a centre of influence
within a team or MSWA facility.
It is someone who goes above
within their first 12 months.
and beyond to ensure the people
Finalists:
we support are at the heart of
Finalists:
Vanishree Chetti,
everything they do.
Sophie Davies,
Manager Clinical &
Neurological Liaison Nurse
Jamie Puls,
COVID-19 Response
Coordinator
Award recipient:
Tracey Hockey,
Receptionist (Wilson)
Residential Services
Sophie Brandsma +
Laura Radicevic,
Senior Marketing Officers –
Lotteries
Award recipient:
Georgina Hett,
Senior Speech Pathologist
Finalists:
Carol Chong,
Manager Allied Health Services
Luke Everett,
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Award recipient:
Elizabeth Stewart,
Member and Client Services
Regional Manager
12
13

OUR SUPPORTERS
HIGH-GRADE TECH
TO IMPROVE
QUALITY OF LIFE
Pharmacy 777 is delivering on
their pledge to make a difference
by generously donating a $25,000
pressure mapping system to
prevent painful pressure injuries.
One of our longest-standing
community partners, Pharmacy
777’s philanthropic donations have
topped $250,000 since 2011, an
incredible commitment which has
made a significant positive impact
for the people we exist to support.
The pressure mapping system
is brand new technology for
MSWA, which takes the
guesswork out of pressure injury
prevention according to MSWA
Senior Occupational Therapist
Anna Jessop.
Portable and versatile, the
equipment can be used on any
seating surface – such as an electric
wheelchair, favourite recliner or
even a mattress – to determine
areas of high pressure.
“We want all the information we
can get to show us those areas
and put interventions (such as
modified cushions) in place so
Clients do not develop pressure
injuries,” Anna said.
“Even the most highly trained OTs
can’t pick up those really niche highrisk
areas without this technology.”
“It is such a lifesaver to be able to
check what is going on - it takes all
the guesswork out of it.”
“It is the kind of thing you really
want to avoid because pressure
injuries can be hard to heal and can
impair skin integrity.”
Anna said pressure sensors of this
grade were once limited to hospitals,
so having a portable system available
in Perth and the South West region
meant greater accessibility for Clients.
“We can take it out to Clients, we
can bring it to Outreach and it is
that much more accessible than it
used to be,” Anna said.
“It is going to make a massive
difference to our Clients in
preventing an injury and really
improving quality of life.
“On behalf of the OT department
and our Clients, I want to say a
huge ‘thank you’ to Pharmacy 777.”
Kristian Ray, Pharmacy
Development Manager, said
Pharmacy 777 was pleased to
provide access to this new system
which enabled “improved patient
comfort, care and support from the
MSWA Occupational Therapy team”.
Senior Occupational Therapist Anna Jessop assesses
Client Kim Flanagan with the new system.
“The Pharmacy 777 Group's vision
is to enhance the quality of life
within our community – supporting
community organisations and
initiatives is a core part of our
commitment to make a difference
– including for people living
with MS and other neurological
conditions, together with their
support team,” Kristian said.
“Allocating our donation towards the
pressure mapping system, we know
first-hand how our contribution is
making this difference.”
Kristian said Pharmacy 777 had
supported MSWA across a number
of initiatives during the twelve-year
partnership.
“From supporting wellness
retreats, facilities and research, to
in recent years - purchasing key
patient equipment such as beds at
Margaret Doody Respite House, the
NeuroNode communication device
and now the pressure mapping
system,” he said.
“For any organisation looking
to see direct impact of
donations to the community,
we encourage them to get in
touch with MSWA to find out
about projects and equipment
that can be funded to provide
much needed support.”
A PERFECT DAY FOR MSWA
MSWA gratefully accepted a
David hails from the Shetland Isles
generous $22,500 donation from in the north of Scotland, which has
INPEX-led Ichthys LNG Joint
one of the highest rates of MS in
Venture, after two employees
the world per head of population.
nominated our cause – one
Remarkably, David has two
they hold close to their hearts
brothers and one sister who live
– supported under a recent
with MS.
health, safety and environmental
“My two brothers have not been
performance initiative.
affected too greatly physically,
When the opportunity arose to
with only minor weakness in their
nominate a beneficiary for INPEX’s
limbs from time to time,” David
‘Perfect Day’ campaign, Shutdown
explained.
Engineer Peter Rautenbach and
“However, my sister has the
Senior Inspector Operations David
more aggressive form of MS
Graham cast MSWA’s name into
and her health and mobility has
the ring.
deteriorated quite rapidly over the
It was Christmas Day 2020 when
last few years.”
Peter’s wife Carissa ended up in
Naturally, both David and Peter
the emergency department, after
jumped on the opportunity to
losing sight in her right eye and
make a difference.
experiencing sensations down her
right side. Several admissions and “I was extremely proud to have
a week later, Carissa was diagnosed MSWA nominated, as all through
with MS.
my life back home I have witnessed
several people whom I know, not
Peter said the diagnosis took
just my family, who have suffered
time and many questions to make
this condition and I am very
sense of.
passionate about supporting the
“There was an enormous amount
cause,” David said.
of doubt as to what her treatment
The ‘Perfect Day’ campaign took
options were, what it meant for our
place during a 45-day maintenance
small family and what our future
turnaround activity across Ichthys
looked like.”
LNG’s two offshore floating facilities,
“It took a few months for the
located 220 kilometres offshore
majority of her symptoms to
from Western Australia, and the
pass and then she got onto a
onshore processing plant in Darwin.
treatment plan.”
To ensure all employees returned
“Carissa is someone who I look up
home safely each day, the Ichthys
to and I am incredibly proud of as
Joint Venture pledged to donate
she doesn’t let MS dictate how she
five hundred dollars to six charities
lives her life even though she lives
(two per facility) for every ‘perfect
with it day to day.”
day’ the workforce achieved.
Peter Rautenbach, wife Carissa
and daughter.
MSWA representatives joined INPEX
at an event to acknowledge the
Perfect Day fundraiser donations
Astonishingly, the respective
offshore facilities Peter and David
work on each achieved nothing but
perfect days over the campaign,
and ultimately $22,500 was raised
for MSWA.
“The work MSWA and MS
Australia continue to do
every day providing support
and conducting valuable
research into the disease and
other neurological conditions
provided us with hope about
the future,” Peter said.
“Our hope is that MSWA and MS
Australia will continue to find
improved treatment options for
those with the condition and even
one day find a cure.”
14
15

NURSING
WATER, LIFE, THE UNIVERSE
AND EVERYTHING! – PART 2
WHAT ROLE DOES WATER PLAY IN THE BODY?
ROCHELLE BROWN
MSWA NEUROLOGICAL LIAISON NURSE
For the second instalment of this series, we take a deep dive into the
critical daily functions of the body and the vital role water plays in each.
Simply put, water helps to keep our body hydrated and in good working order.
But why is hydration so important?
It keeps your body temperature regulated
If you are exercising or simply in a hot climate, your body is producing sweat
to stay cool.
If you don’t replace the water you are losing, your body temperature will
quickly rise back up and you will lose important electrolytes.
Water prevents constipation
Many people assume that to prevent constipation you must consume foods
rich in fibre regularly. While this can certainly help prevent constipation, it is
not the only way. You must also stay hydrated as this will ensure your bowel
movements contain sufficient water to keep things moving.
If you do not drink enough water, you will likely find that you become or
remain constipated.
Water can help you make up for the fluid loss from certain medications
Medicines that can increase the risk of dehydration are diuretics, laxatives,
antacids and blood pressure tablets.
80%
Making hormones and Neurotransmitter
Water helps you to produce saliva
Saliva might be a rather unpleasant subject, but it is necessary to
help you to swallow and break down your food. Its main component
is water, along with mucus, enzymes and electrolytes.
Protects organs and tissue
Food to move easily through the digestive tract
Our digestive tract, in simple terms, is a 9m long tube. Water acts
like a lubricate to ease food through. Without enough water, food
moves slower and issues such as bloating and constipation can arise.
Drinking a glass of water with your meals and snacks can be a great
trick if you struggle to drink enough fluid to support digestion.
It helps you get rid of waste products
You lose a lot of nasties through your perspiration, urination and
defecation, and therefore need an adequate amount of water in your
system to sweat, urinate and defecate! If you become dehydrated, you
will have problems getting rid of waste products from your body.
Transporting oxygen to all parts of the body
Water protects your tissues and joints
To help maintain a full range of motion, you need to keep your joints, muscles
and spinal cord well lubricated. Water helps cushion your joints and helps you
stay in good physical shape.
Supporting cell growth and reproduction
Between 50% and 80% of the
human body is made of water
In part three of this series, we will focus on water’s role in:
/ Helping to regulate your appetite
/ Improving blood oxygen levels
/ Boosting your metabolism and your energy
/ Keeping your brain in good working order
/ Improving mood
16
17

DIETETICS
STAY HYDRATED
THIS SUMMER
Are you finding it hard to
concentrate, feeling fatigued,
foggy, bloated, or moody?
Did you know that these can also be
signs you are not drinking enough
fluids and not just symptoms of
your neurological condition?
As Rochelle discussed in her article
What Role Does Water Play in the
Body? our body uses water for so
many functions. From transporting
oxygen and energy around
our bodies, to regulating body
temperature, aiding digestion and
supporting muscle contractions –
the list can go on and on.
Studies have indicated that even
just one to two per cent body water
loss can impair how well your brain
is functioning. Making sure you
are well hydrated can be a game
changer for managing MS and
symptoms of other neurological
conditions.
How do you know if you are
well hydrated?
The common recommendation of
eight cups or two litres per day is
not necessarily true when it comes
to knowing if you are maintaining
your hydration status or not, but
this guide can be a good place to
start. The amount of fluid you need
to drink each day is variable and
depends on many factors, some
including body size, heat, activity
levels, amount of salty food eaten,
so it can be likely that on particular
days or with certain people this
amount may not be enough.
The simplest, most effective way to
assess your hydration status is the
colour of your urine*, with a goal:
for your urine to be coloured
straw-yellow or lighter across the
whole day. Drinking regularly
across the day will be the best way
to achieve this.
But won’t I be heading to the
toilet more?
This is likely, especially if you are
experiencing MS or neurological
related continence issues. However,
don’t let this deter you. Maintaining
a better hydration status can
support you to avoid complications
such as urinary tract infections,
constipation and kidney stones.
If incontinence is an issue for you,
front loading your fluids at the
start of the day and avoiding fluids
1-2 hours before going to bed is
a useful strategy, so is keeping a
journal of times you drink and go
to the toilet, along with volumes
drunk and the colour of your
urine. This can provide insight into
spacing water evenly and regularly
over the rest of the day. If you
have not done so already, be sure
to have a chat to your GP and/or
neurologist for more support.
Increasing fluids is challenging, so here are some tips we often share with our Clients:
Start your day with a glass of water.
You don’t just have to just drink water!
1 4
While you are sleeping your body doesn’t get
All sorts of fluids count toward getting enough
2
3
any fluids therefore drinking a glass at the start
of the day can help to flush your system of toxins,
which can result in benefits such as increased
energy and immunity, increasing metabolism
and preventing headaches. It will also help you to
develop and maintain the habit of increasing your
daily water intake.
Carry a drink a bottle around with you so you
always have access to water.
If you are at home most of the time, strategically
place bottles/jugs/glasses of water in areas of your
house you frequently visit. When you see the
bottle, take a drink.
Doing the above, but find you are still forgetting
to drink over the day?
Set reminders on your phone or computer that
remind you to drink. Another option is to link
drinking to an activity that you do frequently
over the day. For example, when you eat make it
a habit to also have a drink of water, or whenever
you use the bathroom use that opportunity to
also get a glass of water.
FLAVOUR YOUR WATER
Start with:
/ 1L water
/ 1 cup of ice (If you like your drinks cold)
Then add one of the following options,
or make up your own combo!
Strawberry, basil and lemon:
/ 1/2 cup strawberries stemmed
and sliced, fresh or frozen
/ 5 large basil leaves torn
/ 1 lemon thinly sliced
Honeydew, cucumber, and mint:
/ 1/2 cup honeydew cubes
/ 1 cucumber thinly sliced
/ 10 fresh mint leaves torn
Blueberry, lemon, and rosemary:
/ 1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
/ 1 lemon thinly sliced
/ 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
water. Here are my favourite healthy alternatives
to plain water:
- Cold tea infusions
- Flavour your water - see our yummy flavour
combinations below!
- Adding water rich foods to your meals and
snacks such as lettuce, tomatoes, capsicum,
asparagus, strawberries and watermelon.
- Change the temperature of the water to what
you like: ice blocks, warm water, tea!
- Still not sold? Sugar free or diet cordials and
soft drink also count!
If you are having difficulty hydrating your body,
you can always talk to one of our dietitian’s at MSWA
for assistance.
GEMMA TOOVEY
MSWA DIETITIAN
Watermelon, kiwi, and lime:
/ 1 cup watermelon cubes
/ 1 kiwi fruit diced or cut into circles
/ 1 lime sliced into circles
Storage: Leave the fruit and herbs in the water
for up to 24 hours then remove from the water.
Store the infused water in the refrigerator for
up to three days (four days total).
Recipes and photo from:
www.culinaryhill.com/8-infused-water-recipes/
*Please note some medications and certain foods can change the colour of urine
which makes this method difficult. If you are concerned, ask to speak to a dietitian.
18
19

COUNSELLING
RIDING THE WAVE OF EMOTION
The mind-body connection is
Research has shown that emotional repression has been linked with
a familiar concept to all of us.
decreased immune function (Patel & Patel 2019). Unexpressed emotion
When we are anxious, we can
can leave you feeling exhausted and result in a low mood.
‘feel it in our gut’, when angry we
may become ‘hot-headed’, when
stressed we may ‘carry the weight
of the world on our shoulders’.
Therefore, the work of releasing emotions is an important one that
contributes to a strong immune system and improves our energy levels.
Physical exercise can help with managing and processing our emotions,
but what if this is not possible because of disability? Or is more difficult in
NOTHING CHANGES
IF NOTHING CHANGES
“Any change, even a change for
the better, is always accompanied
by drawbacks and discomforts”
Arnold Bennett
We are well into 2023 now and,
like most people, you might have
been thinking about resolutions
for change. Maybe you have been
stuck in the same routine for
some time, or maybe you want
to improve your life in some way.
More often than not, it can be
easier to continue with the status
quo and do nothing. Perhaps just
the thought of change is too scary
and causes an uneasy feeling. How
can you get past the barriers and
discomfort to take steps towards
positive change?
* In her book Feel the Fear
and Do It Anyway, Susan
Jeffers talks about how
to overcome fear to move
forward in your life.
Think back to the changes in your
life–changing careers, ending a
relationship, returning to school,
health issues or moving home.
After such a change it can be
difficult for a while until you arrive
at a new normal. The next time
you face a change, big or small, the
uneasiness may return. There may
be resistance, denial, distractions,
procrastination or even fear.*
The problem with doing nothing
is that if nothing changes, nothing
changes. Yes, you may be more
comfortable being in the same
story, but is this where you want
to be? Most likely, if you feel stuck
or unhappy, it is a sign that you do
need a change.
We can’t always avoid the
discomfort of change, but we can
learn how to navigate it. While each
change journey is different, there
are general steps that can help us
on the way:
/ Know yourself – be honest
about what you need and want.
/ Evaluate your goals – start
with goals that are easy
and attainable.
/ Find support – look for people
who can help; family, friends or
professional.
/ Take action – real change
comes from doing, not just
planning.
/ Allow and assess – see what
is happening, is this working
for you?
/ Revise – if it’s not working, make
adjustments then start again.
Any change that we attempt
to make in life is going to be
a process. We often have no
choice about the changes we
experience, but conscious
change can be an opportunity
to make us feel good about
ourselves, as well as being
an important part of our
growth journey.
If you need support to make strides
towards positive change, get in
touch with our Counselling Team
on 9365 4811.
ALYSON YEARSLEY
MSWA COUNSELLOR
JANICE PETROVIC
MSWA COUNSELLOR
ACKNOWLEDGING
Emotions have been
described as like “animals
hiding in the woods” (Sunim,
2002). We may have grown up
in a family where emotions
were not validated. Many
of us learnt to ‘soldier on’,
so our natural tendency is
to push feelings down or
distract ourselves from them.
Many addictive behaviours
including workaholism are
ways of distancing ourselves
from difficult emotions.
CREATIVE ARTS
Writing and Art/Music therapy
are also helpful in recognising
and expressing emotions in a
more organic way.
COMMUNICATING
Communicating how we feel
and what we need to those that
matter to us – this can be an
important step in the process of
releasing difficult feelings.
the summer months due to heat intolerance?
Physiotherapy, massage and bodywork such as yoga are highly recommended,
however we have rounded up some other ways of releasing emotion that
can be helpful. These techniques are supported by brain science research.
NAMING & TAMING (Siegel, 2012)
Once we recognise the emotion it is important
to name it. A simple phrase, said softly, can help
release emotions – ‘I feel angry’, ‘I am hurt’.
“When you experience significant internal tension
and anxiety, you can reduce stress by up to 50 per cent
by simply noticing and naming your state” (Ablett, 2019).
SELF-COMPASSION
Self-Compassion is another mindfulness strategy
that can help us befriend and embrace a difficult
emotion, somewhat like a mother would nurture a
baby (Sunim, 2018; Thich Nhat Hanh, 2002). Even if
a mother doesn’t know why the child is crying, her
kind attention already makes it feel better. With kindness,
we can practise a similar nurturing attention towards ourselves.
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness techniques increase our ability to stay present and
feel anchored (particularly using our breath and senses) so we
can recognise and stay with a difficult feeling. Emotions can
be described as having the quality of a ‘wave’, and it has been
suggested that when we are able to stay in the ‘wave of an emotion’
with presence, it will last for 90 seconds (Taylor, 2008). However, if we
keep pushing it away, it continues to call at our attention in different
ways – unfortunately sometimes through physical symptoms.
References:
Taylor, Dr. Jill B (2008), My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey.
Ablett, Mitch (2019), Tame Reactive Emotions by Naming Them.
Siegel, Daniel J (2012), Mindsight : Change your brain and your life.
Sunim, Haemin (2018), The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down.
Thich Nhat Hanh (2002), Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames.
20
21

PHYSIOTHERAPY
LYMPHOEDEMA CLINIC
NOW AT YOUR SERVICE
WILSON GYM UPGRADE PROVIDES
CLIENTS WITH MORE OPTIONS
An important injury prevention
“People who also spend a lot of
MSWA Wilson was a hive of
service has landed at MSWA
time in wheelchairs or in bed are
excitement in January, as Clients
which will look to relieve and
susceptible to pressure injuries, so
and staff came together to witness
manage swelling experienced by
if the health of your skin isn’t great
the opening of the expanded
MSWA Clients.
to begin with, you are more likely to
gym space, complete with new
Offered through the Physiotherapy
Team, the new lymphoedema
service has been in development
for several months to refine an
effective process and is now ready
to accept interested Clients.
develop pressure injuries and find
it more difficult to recover from
them, because the circulation isn’t
as good as it could be.”
Left untreated, swelling could
result in lasting damage.
equipment to suit the growing
needs of our Client base.
This $27,000 upgrade was
made possible by generous
supporters through MSWA’s
Annual Dinner Auction and
Senior Physiotherapist Randall
Rooney explained that
‘Lymphoedema’ is an umbrella
term used for a range of swelling
disorders and is a common
problem experienced by people
with reduced mobility usually in
the lower limbs and less frequently
in the arms or trunk of the body.
Randall explained that early
intervention is key to ensuring
Clients do not develop painful
injuries as a result of the swelling.
“Swelling in tissues produces a
barrier between the circulation
and the cells, making the distance
greater for the exchange of oxygen,
nutrients and waste,” he said.
“When we have swelling, the
health of the cells is not as good
as what it could be, which can
eventually lead to changes in the
skin and toenails.”
“Ongoing swelling causes the
cells to release a low-grade
inflammatory response, which
results in tissue scarring,” he said.
“If we can manage it early, then
we don’t get to that stage, as this
becomes much harder to manage.”
When engaging with the
lymphoedema service, the
physiotherapist will complete an
initial assessment and medical
background check to ascertain
why the swelling is occurring.
Measurements are then taken
first thing in the morning when
swelling is at it’s minimum to
prescribe custom compression
garments which can be worn
throughout the day to stop the
development of swelling.
Considerations are also made
around the Client’s ability to
apply and remove the garment
and a donning aid may also be
prescribed to assist.
The physiotherapist will also
provide education around the
management of the swelling,
including the importance of
hydration and how to elevate
and ice.
For more complex cases, there are
other options such as bandaging
to decongest the limb over a series
of visits, before moving to custom
garments.
Other treatments include manual
lymph drainage, a specific
technique developed in Germany
by Dr. Emil Vodder.
“It is about stimulating the
lymphatic system to drain the
tissues more efficiently,”
Randall said.
“It is a very interesting concept.
If you think of the lymphatic
system as a vacuum cleaner
which is constantly sucking
back to the heart, it is about
stimulating the system to help
drain the fluid.”
If you have noticed the
development of swelling
during the heat of
summer or have ongoing
swelling concerns contact
lymph@mswa.org.au to find
out how the lymphoedema
service could help you.
will allow our Physiotherapy
Team to provide better
support to current and newly
diagnosed Clients.
It also signalled the opening
of a dedicated assessment
space, a critical resource having
added three new physiotherapy
services over the past two years
(Lymphodema, Respiratory and
Continence).
MSWA Physiotherapy manager
James Beckett said the upgrade
would provide improved options,
space and privacy for Clients
receiving services.
“Previously we had not been able
to offer Clients who are newly
diagnosed, or in the very early
stages of their neuro condition,
with the level of support we would
like,” James said.
“These Clients need different
equipment, which means more
space and slightly different services.”
“This is now possible thanks to the
generosity of our supporters. We
spent many a month poring over
our equipment choices to make
sure we spent all of that money as
wisely as possible.”
Manager Allied Health
Services Carol Chong said this
upgrade provided Clients with
renewed options and access to
improved technology.
“It means we can better tailor our
services to meet our Clients’ needs
because it is not a one-size fits all
service,” she said.
“We need to be continually looking
at improvement and what is the
Thank you to our generous supporters
for positively impacting the lives of
our Clients through your donation.
“Without our supporters it would
have taken a lot longer to get
where we are today.”
Carol said this work was just
the beginning, and the team
would continue to look at
options to broaden our offerings
at each facility.
“It ultimately provides a wider range
of services for all of our Clients.”
most suitable for our Clients as
things advance.”
22
23

OUTREACH
AWARD WINNERS LIST
First prize awards:
/ Jasmin Franklin
Drawing - Pencil/Conte/
Charcoal/Ink
/ Jasmin Franklin
Drawing - Mixed Media
/ Susan Finlay
Scrapbooking
Bernie Abernethy
Lyndee Aspey
/ Shane King
Drawing - Oil/Acrylic
/ Jackie Edwards
Textile - tapestry
CLIENT ART SHINES
AT CANNING SHOW
Yvette D’cruz
Shane King
/ Jackie Edwards
Drawing - Pastel
/ Lyndee Aspey
Dry flower arrangement
/ Bernie Abernethy
Card making
Christmas card
/ Bernie Abernethy
Paper tole picture
/ Yvette D’cruz
Decoupage
MSWA’s Client artists had their
Turning ‘trash’ into treasure,
Second prize
most successful year to date
at the 2022 Canning Show, with
19 winning works of art and both
Susan Finlay and Jasmin Franklin
named as show champions.
This was no surprise with the level of
talent on display, as 16 Client exhibitors
submitted 47 pieces for judging.
Jasmin earned the title of
Champion People with Disability
Painting and Drawing for her
stunning anime rock painting and
Susan was named Champion Scrap
Booking for a second year running.
Susan’s style of ‘junk journaling’ is
quite unique, having finessed her
abilities through hours of practice
and a willingness to constantly
extend herself.
“I do junk journaling continuously,
every day and every night,” she said.
“It is a fairly new craft in the paper
world – a lot of people don’t know
about it – but it is just another
form of journaling and you can use
anything up, I love it.”
Susan recycles everything in her
journals, from old envelopes to
porridge packets.
“I use scraps of things and
whatever I can use I put in there,
each journal has tucks and pockets
and everything hidden, flips and
flaps all through it,” she said.
“I save papers as well and do
stamping, stenciling, put lace and
material on it, do different forms of
it. Whenever I can learn something
new I add it in there.”
Susan’s champion piece was a
vintage captain logbook, which she
made for a family member they call
“Captain Dan”.
It has been almost five years since
Susan began attending MSWA
Wilson each Tuesday for art class,
in which she progressed from
card-making to scrapbooking and
now her junk journals.
“Our craft lady – we call her ‘Ma’
but it is Lesley of course – she is a
volunteer and would do anything
to help you, she is just wonderful,”
Susan said.
“We would be lost without Zu
because she does everything to
help us, she is the one who puts it
all into the Canning Show.”
For beginners wanting to learn
more about art and craft, Susan
said YouTube was a great resource
for techniques and new ideas.
“You can learn everything on
YouTube, you just need to have a
go,” she said.
“Or come and join us anyway, come
have a conversation, come have a
cuppa and we are always having
fun, always.”
All of our exhibiting artists
were recognised for their
talents with a presentation
of certificates by MSWA CEO
Melanie Kiely late last year and
we again want to extend a
huge congratulations to all.
We can’t wait to see what you
produce in 2023!
Barry Belt
Jackie Edwards
Janene Grant
Lesley Pitt
/ Jackie Edwards
Textile – Wall hanging
/ Jackie Edwards
Toys & Dolls - Rag doll
/ Jackie Edwards
Drawing - Water colour
/ Bernie Abernethy
Card making
Third prize
/ Jackie Edwards
Drawing - Pencil/Conte/
Charcoal/Ink
/ Jackie Edwards
Handicraft - Garden ornament
/ Yvette D’cruz
Mosaic article
/ Essie Clinton
5D Diamond dot art
/ Shane King
Mixed media open
EXHIBITING ARTISTS
/ Tony Villamagna
/ Barry Belt
/ Lesley Pitt
/ Daniel Leary
/ Janene Grant
/ Chris Stephens
/ Nauman Hamid
/ Sheila Hayfield
Susan's winning art
Jasmin's winning art
24
25

ACCOMMODATION & OUTREACH
OUTREACH AND ACCOMMODATION
HAPPENINGS
Santa brings Christmas spirit to Outreach
Festive activities filled the final days of Outreach for
2022, with the month of December packed full of art and
entertainment across our centres.
Clients were busy making cards, gifts, gingerbread people
OUTREACH
cookies and wonderful decorations.
The highlights were the visits from Mr and Mrs Claus, as
It has been a busy few months at Outreach, with
plenty of holiday season celebrations leading into the
Outreach opening times
they delivered Christmas gifts and spread joy at Wilson
and Beechboro Outreach.
Christmas break, then kicking off the new year strongly
with some entertaining visitors!
If you live in Perth, Rockingham, Bunbury or Albany
and are interested in a trial to experience the Outreach
community, get in touch with Senior Community
Outreach Coordinator Melissa Coombs via
outreach@mswa.org.au
Wilson Mon, Tues, Wed + Thurs 8.30am -2pm
Beechboro Mon + Fri 8.30am – 1pm
Rockingham Tues, Wed + Fri 8.30am – 1pm
Bunbury Wednesday 9am – 12pm
Albany Friday 9am – 12pm
ACCOMMODATION
We hope they will visit again next year!
Pigeon racing!
It appears MSWA Community Support Worker,
Garry ‘The Pigeon Man’ Wilson, has a hidden talent!
When he isn’t spending time with our Clients at
Wilson Outreach, Garry raises, trains and races
pigeons, donating any funds from this venture to
veteran support charity Legacy WA.
In January, Garry bought some of his baby
pigeons to visit our Clients in Beechboro –
just look at those smiles.
Thank you very much for your kind
donation
Albany was also lucky enough to receive
some thoughtful donations from the
community to help everyone feel more at
home when attending the Services Centre.
This included a donated bench seat from
the Albany Men’s Shed and the private
Albany sprouts green thumbs
donation of a piano.
MSWA Client, David, was delighted when team
members from Bunnings arrived at the MSWA
Albany Accommodation and Services Centre to
set up raised gardens for the patio area outside
his unit in late 2022.
They happily assisted him with planting flowers,
herbs, fruit and vegetables, and gave him tips on
how to fertilise and care for them.
David organised the gardening day with the
team at Bunnings Albany and said he felt it was
the first time he was able to give back to the
Fantastic Fringe show
Beechboro Outreach were treated
to an exclusive Fringe show in
January, when Perth-based theatre
company Company O performed
Art (a play by Yasmina Reza).
Picture perfect painting day
Rockingham Outreach got their creative
juices flowing in January, when Outreach
Coordinator Peta arranged a canvas
painting class.
The theme for the day was ‘Australiana’.
people at MSWA that supported him.
He added that he's been given a whole sense
of purpose as he wants to grow herbs and
vegetables for use in the MSWA Albany kitchen
so that all the Clients can enjoy them too.
Great work David!
Festive fun
The Facilities Team worked hard to bring
the seasonal spirit to our Accommodation
Clients with larger than life Christmas
displays. Their hard-work paid off, with
both Clients and Staff reporting their joy!
26
27

VOLUNTEERING, CAMPS & RECREATION
HERE’S TO A GREAT YEAR
OF VOLUNTEERING!
MSWA is lucky to have amazing
volunteers supporting us in a
variety of roles across the
organisation.
Our volunteers make fundraising
events such as the MSWA Ocean
Ride and Step Up for MSWA
possible, while our niche group of
peer support volunteers facilitate
coffee groups to provide critical
connections and support for our
Clients. We also have volunteers
based in our offices, Outreach
Centres, facilities and Clients’
homes, who commit anywhere from
half an hour to 12 hours a week. We
can’t thank our volunteers enough
for their time, commitment and
dedication to making a difference.
2022 was anything but an easy year
to navigate for most of us. The WA
border opened after a two-year
closure and the community had to
adhere to changing restrictions and
measures to minimise the spread of
COVID-19 and its numerous strains.
Plans and processes had to be
reviewed to best address growing
concerns and individuals had to
keep pace with these changes as
days went by.
But despite the ever-changing
COVID-19 landscape, our
volunteers pressed on and
contributed more than 3,300
hours in 2022. On a positive
note, we were glad to welcome
10 new volunteers last year,
with a third of our new recruits
based in the Albany region.
We start 2023 with seven positions
to fill across Beechboro, Wilson,
Hamilton Hill and City Beach and
welcome all expressions of interest
by those wanting to make a positive
impact in their community. Our
aim is always to place potential
volunteers in positions suited to
their skills, goals and interests, in
locations most convenient to them.
To boost the growth of the MSWA
Volunteers Team, we have listened
to feedback and will be reviewing
and refining our program to
encourage greater community
participation. Engaging volunteers
in our organisation not only provides
valuable support for staff, but it
also builds a greater awareness,
understanding and acceptance of
people with neurological conditions
in the larger community.
WE WANT YOU!
Current Volunteer Positions:
Kitchen
Assistant
(2 positions)
Wilson,
Beechboro
EVENT VOLUNTEERS WANTED
We are on the search for
volunteers to help out with our
flagship Step Up for MSWA
event on Sunday, June 25, 2023.
Join in the fun by registering
your interest here:
https://bit.ly/3JgjM7N.
Alternatively, you can contact the
team at events@mswa.org.au.
So, if you or someone you know
would like to be a part of the MSWA
Volunteers Team, contact Mala
Padmanathan, Volunteer and Camp
Coordinator on 6454 3184 or via email
at Mala.Padmanathan@mswa.org.au.
MALA PADMANATHAN
VOLUNTEER AND CAMP
COORDINATOR
Activity
Assistant
(2 positions)
City Beach,
Rockingham
Gardener
(3 positions)
Beechboro,
Hamilton Hill,
Wilson
28
29

EVENTS
GOING THE DISTANCE FOR MSWA
2022 MSWA OCEAN RIDE
An incredible 2,100 cyclists came together to
It was also great to see MSWA staff members, like our
fundraise more than $400,000 for people living with Chief Executive Officer Melanie Kiely, Chief Marketing
neurological conditions as part of the 2022 MSWA Officer Tony Millar and MSWA Board President Horst
Ocean Ride - Powered by RetraVision, in November. Bemmerl participating in the ride, and bringing their
family and friends along for the fun too.
As our riders can attest, the weather was glorious and
the head winds weren't too strong - a welcome relief We extend our immense gratitude to our
for those brave participants undertaking the longer
volunteers fulfilling an array of roles – from finish
ride distances.
line cheerleaders to our critical road marshal
positions, without which the event would not
From seasoned cyclists taking on the 140km EPIC
have been the success it was.
Challenge, joy riders spending a day out with family
and right through to beginners trying something new, A great day was had by a community coming together
all were united in supporting the MSWA cause.
for something bigger than themselves – to raise funds
and awareness to make a tangible difference in the
Once again we had a strong show of support from
lives of those living with neurological conditions.
long-time corporate supporters, including Retravision,
APA, Wood, GR Engineering and Radlink, who were all Our event photographers Nina Otranto and Adam Kenna
represented during their rides.
captured all the action and we have selected some of our
We also acknowledge our 2022 sponsors RetraVision, favourite photos to share with you in Bulletin.
Road Safety Commission, City of Joondalup and
If you would like to view to whole gallery to see
Harcourts Foundation for making this event possible.
if you were snapped, head online to
mswaevents.smugmug.com/2022-MSWA-Ocean-Ride
But don't just take our word for it! See
what our participants had to say:
“My favourite part of the day was being
out on the road with other people who
are riding for the same cause.”
“It felt good to support, ride and be a
part of something.”
“The weather was amazing and
everyone embraced the event towards
a great cause.”
“Great to take part in the personal
challenge shared with other
like-minded people.”
“I felt like a star at the finishing line.”
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TO RECEIVE BULLETIN
ONLINE?
Help us to reduce our environmental impact by going
digital! Not only does this save trees and minimise
our contribution to landfill, but it also allows you
to better engage with our Bulletin content.
Get in touch via communications@mswa.org.au
to sign up to our e-magazine.
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31

OUR COMMUNITY
STATIONARY RIDERS
CYCLE TO GLORY
Winners are grinners
in Rockingham.
Tania Barclay played a significant
role in MSWA Albany’s total, with
an individual effort of 520.97kms,
the highest out of all 219
participants.
Physiotherapy Assistant Celeste
McMahon had a special strategy to
keep everyone in Albany pedalling,
which was to put up images and
facts about oceans in the gym.
“This year, as it is the Ocean
Ride, I featured the five oceans
of the planet, ocean animals
and mysteries of the oceans
– something that brings back
memories for people as well as
being a talking point," she said.
“I also put a lot of jokes on there –
we try to make it fun instead of so
serious and they feel like they are
achieving as well.”
Healthy competition between
MSWA Service Centres saw
Clients ride a combined total of
8935kms in the Stationary Cycle
Challenge – the equivalent
of travelling from Perth to
Sydney… and back!
The challenge is led by our
Physiotherapy Team, who track
the kilometres Clients travel on
stationary bikes to add toward each
teams’ total.
Individuals and teams also had the
chance to fundraise over the course
of the challenge, which led into the
MSWA Ocean Ride event.
Rockingham were thrilled to be
crowned in first place for 2022,
taking home the coveted shield
with 1976kms across their 39 riders.
Rockingham Physiotherapy
Assistant Kirsten Rutherford said
she was so proud of her team for
taking out the win.
“I feel so happy for them that they
have done it and we put it together
as a team,” Kirsten said.
“It’s good individually
because they have all set their
individual goals and have
smashed it, but working as a
team and actually getting our
goal of making Rockingham
number one again was good
for all of us.”
Kirsten said there had been plenty
of healthy competition between
Clients over the eight weeks.
“A lot of people tried to really
push past their goals. Seeing that
other people could do it really
motivated them, and they went
for it," she said.
Client Joan Johnston said she was
excited to take the win with the
“lovely bunch” at Rockingham.
“How exciting is it!” she said,
“[the Stationary Cycle] gives you
something to head for, but we all
“Everyone is always happy and
smiling, so it is always uplifting
coming in here.”
MSWA Rockingham just pipped
MSWA Wilson at the post, who
notched up an impressive 1528kms
with 38 participants and defending
champions MSWA Albany in third,
who recorded a mammoth
1479kms despite only fielding a
16-person team.
Albany Physiotherapy Assistant
Celeste motivating team members
Caroline and Graham to defend their
2021 title during the challenge.
Celeste said the challenge was
a good “social booster” and
individual motivator for Clients.
“Having people with different
neurological conditions
participating in the challenge
made them feel connected – it’s
not just for people with MS – it
makes them feel part of a team
and included, and inclusivity is
everything,” she said.
MSWA Albany Client Graham
Smithson said the team had given
it “a good go, as we always do”
and said the challenge was about
“enjoying what you are doing”.
The highest individual fundraiser
was Ehsan Karaji from MSWA
Wilson, who raised $520 for the
organisation.
We look forward to seeing this
event continue to grow in the
future and would like to thank
each and every participant for
their support.
aim at something in here.”
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33

OUR COMMUNITY
A PIPEDREAM COME TRUE
Ian is usually pretty confident of a win in the MSWA Lottery but this year
was different – he thought he had missed out on a ticket entirely.
You can imagine his surprise when MSWA CEO Melanie Kiely, Client Nicolette
Murphy and Care Support Worker Natasha Bishop called to congratulate him
on winning the life changing $3.8 million Applecross Grand Prize Package.
A member of the Platinum Club, which reserve tickets in future MSWA Mega
Home Lotteries, Luxury Lotteries or Multi-Choice Raffle campaigns, Ian’s ticket
had somehow found its way into his junk folder.
“I thought ‘I really must contact MSWA and give them my updated details’
because it looks like my Platinum tickets haven’t come through,” Ian said.
“I had been a bit disappointed because I thought I had missed out on a ticket
this time, so it came really out of the blue!”
“I really didn’t believe it, I just thought, ‘it can’t be true’.”
Ian won MSWA’s biggest ever grand prize; an idyllic home located in
Applecross, a luxe Range Rover Velar and a cool $300,000 in cash, allowing
him to put in his notice at work the very next day.
“It was getting to that stage in life where retirement was getting closer, but
you never know what is going to happen with markets, how much money
you need, you never know what is round the corner,” Ian said.
“It’s that kind of pipedream; ‘if I win the house, I will actually be able to retire
and it will change my life’, but you never actually expect it to happen.”
“Now I am living that dream.”
Ian and his wife purchased tickets for the very first MSWA lottery, motivated by
a friend from his school days who lives with MS. He has been buying them ever
since to continue his support of people living with neurological conditions.
“We are still in the Platinum Club so I look forward to winning another house
next year,” he laughed.
“No, I have no expectations to win anything else, but I will stay in the
Platinum Club so I can give back and keep supporting MSWA.”
SPECIAL GUESTS
CHANGE WINNERS’ LIVES
“It is something that needs to be supported and the lottery is a great vehicle
to be able to support MSWA and give a bit of money to help.”
For those thinking of buying a ticket, Ian’s advice was to “go for it”.
“All the people at work are looking into the house lottery now, because you
don’t believe anybody wins until you find out the person sitting next to you in
the office has won it,” he said.
“You realise the winners are all real, and it is possible.”
Three special guests took part in one of last year's
Mega Home Lottery prize draws, responsible for
the most important role – pressing the button to
reveal the winner!
MSWA Clients Julia Hewson, Neil Cumming and
Nicolette Murphy handled the pressure with ease,
turning Super Early Bird winner Anouska, Early
Bird Prize winners Daryl and Kylie, and Grand Prize
winner Ian into millionaires with just a click.
Care Support Workers Natasha Bishop and Laila
Bjorklund also joined in to call the winners and hear
their reaction to incredible news.
“It was a very special moment for sure, something
Neil will cherish a long time,” said Laila.
“It really was the best day of ‘work’ ever –
one I won’t ever forget!” said Natasha.
IS IT YOUR TURN TO WIN?
The MSWA Mega Home Lottery is back, and
this time there are three incredible homes to be won,
including our biggest Grand Prize yet!
Tickets go on sale Monday, 27 February, visit us at
mswalottery.com.au to secure your tickets and go in the
draw to win.
Every ticket sold supports Western Australians living with
a neurological condition.
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35

OUR COMMUNITY
SAVE THE DATE!
11 MARCH, 2023 25 JUNE, 2023
Take your marks, get set... GO!
Albany Swim is a unique community swimming event to raise funds for
people living with neurological conditions, including those living in the
Great Southern region.
Join swimmers of all ages as they challenge themselves to out-swim the clock.
Teams of 10 will work together to continuously relay over an eight-hour
marathon in the swimming style of their choice (even doggy paddle!).
Ready to dive right in?
Find out more and register now at www.mswaswim.org.au.
Set yourself a special challenge in 2023 by getting involved in our
unique stair-climbing event.
Step Up for MSWA challenges you to climb 1,103 steps up Perth’s tallest building
– once, twice or even multiple times for the super steppers!
Registration will be opening very soon and we'd love to have you join us.
Visit join.stepupformswa.org.au/early to be first to know when registration opens.
Interested in volunteering? Sign up now: https://bit.ly/3JgjM7N.
MSWA ALBANY'S FIRST BIRTHDAY
13 APRIL, 2023
That’s right, one whole year has flown by!
It is only right to celebrate MSWA’s amazing Services Centre and Accommodation
Facility in Albany as we approach this milestone with a community event, seeing
as the development was made possible by our generous supporters in the region.
Further details will be shared in our Vitality newsletter as they
become available, so keep your eyes on your inbox or check in at
mswa.org.au/news-research/publications.
MAY, 2023
Organised by our friends over at MS Plus, The May 50k aims to raise
funds to leave MS where it belongs – behind us.
Sign up for free to run, walk or move 50kms during the month of May
and track your progress to achieve your fitness goals.
Share your commitment to the challenge and raise funds to support
MS research.
Register your interest as an individual, team or workplace at
www.themay50k.org.
6 MAY, 2023
With four ride distances to choose from, there is something to suit all ages,
abilities and fitness levels.
The various routes take riders through scenic Albany, past some of the city's
most iconic spots, like the National ANZAC Centre, the Historic Whaling Station
and Middleton Beach!
There was more to see in 2022, with the route extended to explore Tornidirrup
National Park, taking cyclists out to nature's marvels Uredale Point, the Natural
Bridge and the Gap.
This year’s date has been set, with further information to come.
AUGUST, 2023
MS Readathon challenges kids to read as much as they can in
August, where they have the chance to earn prizes, collect badges
and complete challenges.
It makes reading fun and exciting!
Register your interest for the 2023 readathon at msreadathon.org.au.
8 MARCH
13 - 19 MARCH
16 MARCH
17 MARCH
20 - 26 MARCH
7 APRIL
11 APRIL
International Women's Day
Brain Awareness Week
Swallowing Awareness Day
World Sleep Day
Dietitians Week
World Health Day
World Parkinson's Day
36
37

INK-REDIBLE DONATION
ALL SWEET FOR MSWA
SUBMIT YOUR
ARTICLE TO US
It was a full circle moment for
Perth tattoo artist Rory Armstrong
when he utilised the same
creative skills which introduced
him to his girlfriend, Dana, to raise
more than $6,000 for MSWA in
her honour.
Dana was diagnosed with
relapsing-remitting MS at just 22
years of age, but Rory said her
condition did not stop her from
helping others in her full-time
nursing career.
Do you have a story about living
with a neurological condition in
WA that other MSWA
Clients might like to read?
We invite you to share your
experiences with our many
Bulletin readers.
Email your submission to
bulletin@mswa.org.au
for consideration by the
Editorial Working Group.
“Dana is one of those people who
gets a little bit embarrassed when
people do things for her, she is so
used to doing things for everyone
else,” said Rory.
The pair first met when Dana
came to Rory for a tattoo, and the
“rest is history”.
“Through her, I found out how
hard MS really can be on people,
both the families and the patient,”
Rory said.
“I thought, ‘I make pretty good
money tattooing, so if I can donate
one day of my year to anyone else
living with a neurological condition,
why not?’ It was a pretty easy
decision.”
To raise the funds, the Bittersweet
Tattoo Studio in Subiaco hosted
a ‘Flash Day’ in December, with
Rory donating 100% of his profits
to benefit people living with
neurological conditions.
Rory said the response on the day
was overwhelmingly positive.
“We had a line about 200m long
before the doors opened at 10am,”
Rory said.
“We walked down the line and the
first 40 to 50 people were there to
see me, or my co-worker who was
also donating a portion of their
profits, to support the charity. It
was awesome to see.”
Rory also ran a raffle in the two
weeks leading up to the event,
receiving an upswell of support
that saw him sell 300 tickets for
the cause.
“As soon as I mentioned the raffle
and I put it up on my socials the
response was absolutely insane,”
he said.
Combined with his takings and
donations from other artists’ profits
on the day, the total raised came to
an incredible $6,214.
“I know Dana was absolutely
overwhelmed by all of it, but she
was very grateful,” said Rory.
“The team at MSWA does the most
amazing job, I am so thankful for all
of you and the work you do, so I am
glad I could contribute.”
This is just the start of a new
tradition for Rory, who plans
on making the fundraiser an
annual event.
“Next year I am setting myself the
goal of raising $10,000” Rory said.
MSWA would like to extend a
huge thank you to Rory and
the team at Bittersweet Tattoo
SUGGESTIONS, COMPLAINTS
AND COMPLIMENTS
We want to hear from you. Your
feedback helps us to understand
what is working well and where
we can improve.
You can raise a concern or
acknowledge the support
an MSWA staff member has
provided by:
/ Talking to the coordinator of
your services
/ Telephoning the Complaints
Liaison and Compliance
Coordinator, Davina Sawyer,
on 6454 3146
/ Emailing
feedback@mswa.org.au
Please tell us:
/ What happened
/ When it happened
/ Who was involved
/ What you would like to see
occur as a result of sharing your
feedback
All feedback is reviewed, and
complaints investigated in a timely
manner with the team responsible
for the service.
Our goal is to achieve a positive
outcome for all people involved
and improve the quality of the care
and services provided. You will be
included in the process and the
outcomes shared with you.
Please note, you have the
right to have support from
an advocate at any point in
a complaint process. The
Complaints Liaison and
Compliance Coordinator can
help you to access an advocacy
service if you wish.
“I didn’t know what I had got
myself into. I was constantly writing
raffle tickets down every night and
day, but it was so worth it.”
Studio for their support and
commitment to improving
the lives of people living with
neurological conditions.
/ Writing to Quality and
Compliance; Locked Bag 2,
BENTLEY DC 6983
38
39

WHATEVER YOUR NEURO,
WHATEVER YOUR NEEDS.
MSWA.ORG.AU