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Bulletin Spring 2018

  • Text
  • Mswa
  • Bulletin
  • Ndis
  • Fatigue
  • Multiple
  • Outreach
  • Treendale
  • Peer
  • Sclerosis
  • Neurological

This brave new world of

This brave new world of the NDIS, however, has been a long time in the making. In April 1995 the then Federal Minister for Health in the Keating Government, Dr Carmen Lawrence (also the first woman to become the Premier of Western Australia, 1990 to 1993), visits the Society to meet the Board and discuss concerns it has about future Commonwealth funding. In particular, the Board wants to discuss the imbalance in the funding agreement with the Commonwealth, where the Society is contributing seventy seven percent for the provision of services to Members, by fundraising. For years the Society had been largely excluded from applying for Commonwealth funding because those organisations on the inside argued that the Society was a so-called ‘single disability’ organisation, the mud stuck, and the Society cannot shake this concocted historical tag. The Society counters such humbug by flying its multiple sclerosis (MS) credentials like a battle flag, to become a very successful independently-minded fundraiser. However, at that particular time in 1995, because the next battle to have Beterferon (treatment) made freely available is yet to be won, funding to enable people with MS to live at home has become a heart-rending, calamitous problem. There are cases of people mortgaging their homes to raise the 0,000 necessary to purchase this first disease modifying treatment ever offered. Dr Lawrence informs the Society that the Home and Community Care guidelines are under review, explaining that the Commonwealth is planning to introduce legislation to provide funding to the individual in need of home care and allow that individual to choose their service provider. This will include people with MS. It is now history that the following year, the Keating-led Labor government was defeated by the Howard Liberal National Coalition Government. It would be another seventeen years before the NDIS Bill was introduced into Parliament in November 2012 and enacted the following year. Today people with disabilities, MS and similar neurological conditions at long last have the ability to access funding in a more timely and equitable fashion. They also have the amount adjusted to meet changed need and they can choose their own provider, as the NDIS is rolled out throughout Western Australia. The big losers however, are people aged 65 years and over. It is these people who have been shuffled off into a grossly inadequate Aged Care System where thirty percent of the package is immediately recouped by the provider, and the hourly rate of service is exorbitant. If that person happens to be high-care, then the care cost doubles. It is little short of a disgrace that the disabled elderly should be even thought of in such a manner. MSWA is not currently an approved Aged Care Provider, but once again it is left to us to pick up the broken pieces of an ill-thought-out policy so as to keep people with MS who do not qualify for the NDIS, living at home. On behalf of the Editorial Committee I would like to thank you for your forbearance as MSWA follows its five-year plan and reassembles itself in readiness for the future. “Change is everywhere … today it is fine; tomorrow we know Summer is coming.” Do you want to receive the Bulletin online? Want monthly information updates? Register your email address today to start receiving our monthly Vitality e-newsletter or the Bulletin magazine online. Just email damien.hill@mswa.org.au or call 9365 4814 and let us know your current email address. 4 | MSWA BULLETIN SPRING 2018

From the desk of the CEO MARCUS STAFFORD A clear vision backed by definite plans, delivers success. It is always pleasing to note the delivery of a record-breaking year for MSWA, but perhaps most satisfying is the posting of those records within the context of challenging times. The 2017-2018 year saw MSWA’s gross revenue reach the highest in our history, and our balance sheet further strengthened. We stand alone in Western Australia as the dominant generator of our own funds, with the majority of our revenue coming from our own rich and diversified activities within both the retail and commercial market. MSWA led the nation in its research contribution, lifting to a record-breaking million for the year, with a thoughtful balance of funding allocated within Western Australia, Australia and internationally. Apart from the regular and ongoing support of a multitude of multiple sclerosis (MS) research projects, this includes strong contributions to MS Research Australia, the International Alliance for research into progressive MS, and the ongoing support of symbiotic research into other neurological conditions. Our investment into research increases the overall knowledge, and ultimately benefits all of our Members and Clients living with a neurological condition. MSWA’s continued leadership in Australia is seeing advances in neurological research that is making a real difference to people’s lives. And in keeping with this focus, we are pleased to announce that we have made a significant contribution to Motor Neurone Disease research this year. The number and range of services offered to people with MS and other neurological conditions was extended further during the year, along with the number of locations within both the Perth metropolitan and rural areas. Our cohort of people receiving services in 2017-2018 showed 65% having MS and 35% having other neurological conditions. That balance is expected to become 60%-40% by the end of 2018-19. The annual Member survey had a total of 753 responses this year, and once again, the respondents resoundingly expressed appreciation and satisfaction for MSWA. I am pleased to say that we consistently get outstanding positive results from our survey every year, and we will continue to work to place ‘our Customer’ at the centre of our activities. Our strategy to extend scale to counteract the cashflow uncertainties of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) environment, and to provide sustained support for people who are not eligible to join the scheme, has been successful. That success has given peace of mind and surety to all people we serve, including people aged over 65 with MS, and those who are newly diagnosed or only requiring low support. Meanwhile, within the organisation’s footprint developments, our new Supported Accommodation and Services Facility in Butler is coming along nicely, and the site is currently at lockup stage. Our Mega Home Lottery launched in early August and tickets are selling fast which is very pleasing, but perhaps unsurprising, with a .7 million grand prize package. Our dedicated events team delivered another fantastic Annual Dinner and Auction and it was great to see both familiar and new faces. Always thinking ahead, the team are now preparing for Ocean Ride in November. So, we bask in the glory of an outstanding year for just a moment, but now focus on the year ahead with the intention of delivering successful results for our Members and Clients. Onwards and upwards! MSWA BULLETIN SPRING 2018 | 5

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