Morning Tea in Support of MS Queensland

Chairman, Mr Roger Burrell and fellow Board Members; Chief Executive Officer, Mr David Curd; staff, Ambassadors and supporters of MS Queensland.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands around Brisbane, and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders. 

Kaye and I are delighted that you could join us this morning at Government House. 

These annual events – in support of World MS Day – mark an important tradition in Kaye’s and my community calendar. This is the sixth similar event we have hosted, and we are so glad it could proceed again this year, despite COVID disruptions. 

A diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis all too often goes hand-in-hand with a sense of loss and loneliness.

In 2020, we have all been reminded of the importance of remaining connected, in particular to the most vulnerable members of our family and community.

The 2020 World MS Day theme ‘Connections’ is therefore superbly timely.

Kaye and I have been deeply impressed by the many innovative ways organisations have responded to this year’s challenges. 

Apropos of today, I was especially delighted to learn of the online Connections Hub developed by MS Australia. 

The site is providing a simple and informal way for the MS community to connect, and find support for themselves, or offer help to others.

In addition, the 2020 World MS Day website and online social networks allows the broader community to more easily relate to those living with MS. The stories being told of lives lived with MS are indeed an inspiration to all. 

By prompting conversations about MS, we can sweep away the confusion attached to this otherwise daunting condition.

This will help build communities in Queensland where people with MS are more readily understood and nurtured. 

World MS Day is also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of MS Queensland. 

I particularly applaud the expansion this year of specialist disability accommodation under Project 120, an initiative which I had the great honour of launching in Springfield in 2018.

As Governor and Patron, I commend the efforts of its Executive Team, Board members, donors, fundraisers and, of course, MS Queensland’s tireless staff members and volunteers. 

Your presence is a reminder to us all, that as we reach out to those living with MS, we also challenge the social barriers. Through education, and lobbying for better services and research, we move closer to achieving a cure.

Thank you, and enjoy the morning.