Reception in Support of MS Queensland

MS Queensland Deputy Chair, Mr Shaun Treacy; Board Members, Ms Alarna Lane-Mullins and Mr Michael Stott; Chief Executive Officer, Mr David Curd; MS Australia Vice President, Mr George Pampacos, Head of Research, Dr Julia Moraham; distinguished guests; staff, supporters and friends of MS Queensland, welcome.

I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and extend respectful greetings to Elders, past, present and emerging.

Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House this afternoon, to honour MS Queensland and the incredibly important work you do for the 4,000 or so Queenslanders who are living with multiple sclerosis—a cruel disease that most often strikes people when they are in the prime of their lives.

This is my first event as Patron, and I am proud to continue the tradition of Vice-Regal support, to help promote greater understanding about multiple sclerosis, and the ongoing search for a cure.

Unfortunately, circumstances prevented us from coming together here in May to celebrate World MS Day, but this annual global event is such a powerful way of raising visibility of the disease in the community and striving towards stronger ‘connections’ for those affected.

One of the key points of connection occurs in our workplaces, which is why the recent research conducted by MS Queensland, and your MS Australia counterparts, is so vital in ensuring our employers develop their understanding around issues raised by people with MS—particularly those relating to isolation, exclusion and security.

Alongside access to equitable employment opportunities, meaningful work allows people to feel valued. This becomes even more significant when an individual is faced with a diagnosis of MS, and the unpredictable variability, and invisibility of its symptoms.

The team at MS Queensland is already working hard in this area, with the organisation’s specialist employment service giving advice and support, and importantly, tailoring its approach to suit individual needs and requirements.

Beyond the work sphere, your expertise and experience are crucial to helping people live fully as they traverse the challenging path MS presents, yet as you offer personalised guidance and practical assistance, you are also offering immense encouragement.

The quest for a cure continues, and I know MS Queensland is forging ahead—with MS Research Australia—to advance breakthroughs that we hope will one day, repair nerve damage and reverse disability.

There is still some way to go to complete the MS puzzle, but we have made tremendous developments in care and treatment, and the momentum continues to build.

I thank the Board, management and staff of MS Queensland, for being such a dynamic, visionary force in our State, and I extend my appreciation to the many donors, supporters and volunteers who help the organisation deliver its services.  

Now, I am immensely pleased to present MS Queensland CEO, Mr David Curd, with a Certificate of Patronage—and echo your commitment to ensure that “no one in Queensland faces MS alone”.

Thank you.