Reception in support of Multiple Sclerosis Queensland 2024

MS Queensland Chair Mr Shaun Treacy and CEO Mr David Curd; MS Australia CEO Mr Rohan Greenland; distinguished guests; staff, supporters and friends of MS Queensland; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this afternoon.

Graeme and I are pleased to welcome you to Government House again, having had the honour of doing so for the past two years.

We welcome the opportunity to applaud your ongoing efforts to improve the daily lives of people living with multiple sclerosis in our state and provide the resources and supports they need.

Among the 33,000 people in Australia living with multiple sclerosis, more than five-and-a-half thousand are Queenslanders.

For each, symptoms come on at a different age and can have very different physical and other effects.

For these reasons, support needs to come in many shapes and forms, providing additional challenges for MS Queensland. With no known single cause and no cure, research continues to be high on the list of priorities.

Thankfully, advances are being made every year with medications, therapy and technology, and other practical supports.

I look forward to hearing more about one of these in particular — the MS Queensland Neuro Wellness Hub for people living with neurological conditions, the officially opening of which we attended in April.

Much is being attempted and much is being achieved, this due to the dedication and commitment of the Board, management and staff of MS Queensland. We also have the donors, supporters and volunteers who contribute to service delivery to thank. On behalf of Queenslanders, I extend my deepest gratitude to you all.

Clinical trials are key to advancements in treating the spectrum of symptoms caused by scarring of the central nervous system that may affect the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve in those living with MS.

These, alongside many non-drug therapies, form the platform of support allowing those with MS to manage and enjoy their daily lives.

There are many stories from people living with MS that add to the sizable store of information already available to individuals who are newly diagnosed.

These stories of lives well lived due to their focus on diet, on exercise and mobility, on relationships, on mindfulness, and symptom management provide much hope for the future.

Finally, we are all so proud of the work that MS Queensland does to raise awareness and educate the broader community.

Not to mention the practical services it provides that are vital to so many Queenslanders.

Thank you.