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MSWA Bulletin Magazine Winter 2017

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A message from the

A message from the General Manager – Member Services SUE SHAPLAND RN, BN “When you can’t change the direction of the wind – adjust your sails,” H. Jackson Brown, Jr. I think this quote has relevance in many ways. People living with MS I am sure can relate to having to make some adjustments of their sails throughout their individual journey; some people probably more times than others. As you are aware, the winds of change continue to blow across the disability sector, with the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) with all its benefits and challenges, and with the aged care sector commencing their revamped model this year. The NDIS in WA continues to roll out, although we are still unclear on the new Government’s review of the previous decision. Whilst increasingly we hear of challenges and issues with the NDIS in the Eastern States mainly due to the sheer volume and timeframes involved. Then of course there are the internal MSWA changes that have been recently announced which include the imminent retirement of Dave Bugden, General Manager of Brand, Marketing and Sales, and the resignation of Marcus, our CEO. These departures are huge for most of us at MSWA – Members, staff and volunteers included – as both have played pivotal roles in steering MSWA into the successful position we proudly hold today. For over 15 years now, Dave Bugden has been vital to our success in fundraising and raising our brand awareness. The Funds raised have allowed Member Services to continue to grow programs, staffing and build numerous facilities including Treendale Gardens, Hamilton Hill and the Bunbury Community and Health Services Hub. I would personally like to thank Dave for his hard work and untiring support of all things MSWA; enjoy your well-earned retirement! As for Marcus, where do I start? I was very fortunate to be recruited by Marcus in 2003 and feel privileged to have worked with him, and our Senior Management team, over the past 14 and a half years. MSWA today is almost a world away from when we started thanks to his commitment, business acumen, dedication and vision. Our success, and the very solid position in which he will leave us, has been as a result of hard work and innovation, the support of an excellent Board and our greatest asset – our staff and volunteers! We will all miss Marcus but thank him for his undying commitment over the past 15 years and wish him well on his future endeavours. We have recently had another MS treatment approved under the PBS, Zinbryta, and eagerly await approval for Ocrelizumab which is also the first product to have also shown promise for people with progressive MS. There are several positive changes imminent with our proposed re-location of the Wangara office to a larger, more suitable premises in Joondalup. We will also be seeking new premises in Armadale, Mandurah and Busselton to be more accessible for Members and NDIS Clients in those areas. Our Butler services hub and high support accommodation complex will also commence construction later this year. MSWA is very fortunate to be able to fund such expansions and bring services closer to home for our Members and Clients. Once again, we will be allocating a record amount of funds to MS Research this year. We will bring you updates on the allocation of the funds and outcomes from research already funded by MSWA. The Member Services team continues to grow and add new programs and MS resources for our Members. For example, we now have massage in several new regional areas including Geraldton, Northam, Manjimup and Margaret River. Our annual MS Awareness Week Members’ Forum was held on June 2 this year and I’ll provide an overview of the presentations in our next Bulletin. Please don’t forget our Member Services team is here to help you. Whether it’s for information on the latest treatments or lifestyle advice, research updates or a service you require please don’t hesitate to make contact. We are a phone call away and can be reached on 08 9365 4888 or email us at get-in-touch@mswa.org.au Want to access research articles? Here are the places you can access up to date research articles relating to multiple sclerosis: • Vitality – Our monthly research focussed e-newsletter • Our website – https://mswa.org.au/news/latest-news • Right here as part of your Member magazine Bulletin. It includes great research articles and information every quarter. Just email communications@mswa.org.au if you would like any further information. 6 | MSWA BULLETIN WINTER 2017

Marcus honoured with Order of Australia It was incredible to learn of our very own CEO, Marcus Stafford, being honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division last month. In recognition of his significant services to people with a disability, and to community health, through support for those affected by multiple sclerosis, Mr Stafford has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division. Marcus started in his role as our leader over 15 years ago, and since then has turned MSWA into one of the most successful not-for-profit organisations in Western Australia. Our President, George Pampacos had this to say on learning of the Award, “Due to his amazing work Marcus has improved the lives of people living with MS and other neurological conditions not only in WA but nationwide. He has always had a long-term vision about where he wanted MSWA to be and most importantly how it could be achieved. He is a natural leader who has been able to rally and inspire the team at MSWA to achieve incredible things. There’s no doubt the organisation is as successful as it is because of his guidance.” Jayne O’Sullivan, the manager of MSWA’s Hamilton Hill high support accommodation facility said Marcus’s management style, compassion and drive filtered throughout the organisation. “Most of us base the way we work on what we see. The culture of MSWA is formed from what we see at the top. Care, compassion and hard work. We just want to do what’s best for our Members to make their lives better and that comes from Marcus,” said Jayne. “I’ve been at MSWA for 20 years and the organisation has come along in leaps and bounds since Marcus became CEO. In terms of the services being offered and funding for research, it just gets bigger and better every year.” Marcus, from everyone at MSWA we congratulate you on this very richly deserved recognition. In everything we do at MSWA, our Staff, Volunteers and Board proudly demonstrate our Core Values. OUR CORE VALUES We are proud to be part of MSWA. As a team, these are the values we strive for. PROFESSIONALISM We commit to fostering an environment of professionalism and excellence by: • Encouraging innovation • Supporting continuous improvement and professional development • Setting the highest standards in all that we do SERVICE We commit to providing the best possible service by: • Acting in a responsive and timely manner • Understanding, enabling and empowering others • Promoting awareness and shared knowledge, both internally and externally TEAMWORK We commit to working together as a team by: • Encouraging a unified approach to our shared goal • Communicating openly and honestly • Recognising the value of each other’s contribution RESPECT We commit to respecting and valuing one another by: • Encouraging and empowering each other to reach our full potential • Always maintaining our integrity and ethics • Honouring our commitments and promises MSWA BULLETIN WINTER 2017 | 7

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