FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO

FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO MARCUS STAFFORD CEO One of the many great things about my job is that I get to speak to retail customers, business customers and folk with disabilities on a daily basis. The message that I hear about wanting the reassurance of being a part of our team is both understandable and a reflection of our experience and expertise. Our MSWA community may be growing, but our 800 staff are still here to help guide and support you, every step of the way. As our footprint across metropolitan and regional Western Australia continues to grow, we know that we are on the journey together. As of July 1, 2019, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will ‘technically’ have completed its roll out across the State. We know that the Government and its officers have struggled with the magnitude of the task and that this has led to unwelcome delays and decisions that have not been aligned to our local market. But I like to think that these are only teething problems of the Scheme and I hope that my positive nature will not come back to bite me! Certainly, MSWA’s dedicated NDIS team has been working hard to deliver your tailored plans and have received tremendous feedback about the variety of options available. As we head closer to the end of the financial year, I’m pleased to say that MSWA has delivered a record result. In addition to revenues and other financial measures, this has included the most important services to our disability Customers, a record contribution to neurological research, a record number of participants supporting our fundraising initiatives, and a record investment into building new Service Centres and Supported Accommodation facilities. Our future is looking both bright and secure and, in keeping with the broader theme already mentioned, can only be achieved within a true team environment and with a supportive community. Increasingly you will see that the brand and focus of MSWA is evolving into ‘We Know Neuro’. This reflects our ongoing support of all neurological conditions and our continued wish and expectation that we will provide leadership, support and guidance for people with neurological conditions and their families. On recent events, our Members’ Forum has once again been a success, delivering informative updates on MS research and treatments, the benefits of exercise and an update on the NDIS. World MS Day was also a notable day with the global theme of ‘My Invisible MS’ raising awareness of the invisible symptoms of MS and its unseen impact on quality of life. To acknowledge the day, MSWA hosted its annual ‘Hip Hop Yoga’ event held at the RAC Arena. Thank you to everyone who joined us on the day in acknowledging our Members, their lives and everyone touched by MS. Our Annual Dinner Auction now in its 16th year, will be held on Thursday, 8 August. The event attracts 350 of MSWA’s supporters including members of the Board, dignitaries, MSWA Members, Perth celebrities, corporate sponsors and supporters of MSWA. And so, we breathe… for just a moment… and savour the delightful flavours of a record year. That done, we now look forward to a new budget year and the exciting developments that will accompany that. Developments that I look forward to sharing with you in future editions. “Sometimes, the only answer people are looking for when they ask for help, is that they won’t have to face it alone.” Mark Amend. 4

STRATEGIC SUPPORTS AND RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS SUE SHAPLAND GENERAL MANAGER STRATEGIC SUPPORTS AND RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” Winston Churchill. How true this saying is: having the right attitude can really make the difference between success and failure and how we cope with change and the challenges life throws at us. MSWA has a positive attitude that has served us well and seen us grow from strength to strength. We have embraced change and challenges and opportunities that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has brought, knowing it will make a real difference for people living with a disability; especially our eligible Members who will have access to funds in a more timely fashion as needed now and in the future. My Safety and Quality team are currently focusing on the key aspects of the National Framework under the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework, which is expected to commence in July 2020, looking at what changes we may need to ensure compliance. Our training team are also identifying opportunities to enhance our staff orientation and training programs. All our residential facilities are currently full, we now have 42 places across four locations including the newest at Butler! When I joined MSWA in 2003 we had seven places at Fern River, so this is real growth. We are now on to our next project which will be ten units, and a service centre in Albany! The NDIS is making a real difference for those needing 24/7 supports, reducing the risk of aged care placement for the younger demographic. Of course, building these facilities wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing success we enjoy through fundraising and donations. Don’t forget we also provide residential respite at City Beach and Treendale, and for those under the NDIS, respite funding can be included in your plan. If you need any assistance with developing your NDIS plan or would like to know more about respite options don’t hesitate to contact our fantastic NDIS team by email ndisenquiries@mswa.org.au. For our Members over 65, and ineligible for the NDIS, our respite is obviously still available for you; you can call the respite homes direct or email customerservice@mswa.org.au. We are currently working on defining our annual research contribution and we’re aiming to better the million dollars allocated in 2018/19. We know that neurological research is making positive inroads to identifying better treatments and striving to develop markers to improve diagnosis and measure response to treatments, while still looking for the cures. I hope you enjoy the research round-up article in this edition. If you need any advice or information about MS or MSWA services, including respite or supported accommodation, please don’t hesitate to call reception on 9365 4888 or use the customerservice@mswa.org.au link. If you haven’t had your flu shot, it’s not too late! This year has started as one of worst years in recent times for WA and in Australia generally. 5