2026

Hi Friends,

 A Message from the CEO 

It’s hard to believe how quickly the year is already gathering pace. The school holidays have come and gone, classrooms are full again, workplaces are settling back into rhythm, and across Tasmania the year is well and truly underway. I hope 2026 has begun kindly for you and your family.

At Epilepsy Tasmania, this time of year always carries a sense of renewed focus. Plans move into action, conversations begin to build, and before long our attention turns toward March — a month that holds special significance for our community.

Make March Purple is always one of the most important months on our calendar — a time when our community comes together to raise awareness, spark conversations, and remind the 5,500 Tasmanians living with epilepsy that they are not alone. In 2026, we’re inviting everyone to “Muck Up for Epilepsy” — to step outside their comfort zone, get a little messy, and stand in solidarity with those whose lives are too often disrupted, interrupted, or, as our theme says, “mucked up” by epilepsy.

It’s bold. It’s a little bit fun. And most importantly, it starts conversations.

But beyond the campaigns and events, what matters most is people.

It’s the teacher who books epilepsy training so they feel confident supporting a student.
It’s the family celebrating 1 day, 10 days, or 100 days seizure free.
It’s the person quietly navigating financial stress who reaches out for support.
It’s the pharmacy team opening their doors to help us raise awareness.
It’s you — reading this, sharing this, showing up.

Every action, no matter how small it may seem, strengthens our community.

As we move toward March, I encourage you to think about how you might get involved — whether that’s taking on the Purple Muck Challenge, hosting a fundraiser, booking training for your workplace, or simply starting a conversation about epilepsy.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Thank you for caring. And thank you for helping us ensure that in 2026, no Tasmanian faces epilepsy alone.

Warmest wishes 

Paul Quilliam
CEO, Epilepsy Tasmania

ABC Giving Tree Partnership – Thank You Tasmania

In our 50th year of service and support, Epilepsy Tasmania was honoured to be selected as one of several Tasmanian charities partnering with the ABC Giving Tree Appeal in 2025.

Thanks to the generosity of ABC listeners and the wider Tasmanian community, we received $7,000 to assist individuals and families living with epilepsy over the Christmas period. The funding enabled us to provide practical support to families experiencing financial hardship, as well as purchase specialised equipment that has now been added to our statewide loan pool — ensuring the benefit of this generosity continues well beyond the festive season.

We are deeply grateful to the ABC Giving Tree Trustees and donors for including Epilepsy Tasmania among this year’s partner charities. It was a meaningful milestone in our anniversary year and we hope it marks the beginning of an enduring partnership.

We’re excited that the annual Make March Purple campaign is here for 2026 and as mentioned in our introduction, the theme is ‘Muck Up for Epilepsy," which challenges participants to step outside their comfort zones, get a little messy, and stand with the 5,500 Tasmanians and  270,000 Australians whose lives are mucked up by epilepsy. 

You are encouraged to take on the Purple Muck Challenge or create your own purple-themed fundraiser to show your support. All funds raised are donated to the development and delivery of vital epilepsy support services, education and training, and research into finding a cure.

From our Training Coordinators

Calling teachers, coworkers, disability workers, and family members.  We tailor our training to suit our audience.

Our Education and Training team prepare individuals to help someone with Epilepsy.

• What is a seizure, what is epilepsy?
• Types of seizures
• Causes and triggers
• Seizure first aid
• When to call an ambulance
• Administering Emergency Medication
• Tailored assistance to your setting
• Plans for you to help the person with epilepsy.

 Want to know more?

Book your training session now.

education@epilepsytasmania.org.au 

Liz 0456 231 632 | Sarah 0422 818 490

Invitation to Share your Milestone

If you or your loved one would like to share your milestone like Belle, we warmly invite you to send in a photo holding a sign that says, “Seizure Free for ___ Days.” Whether that number is 1 day, 10 days, 100 days, or more, every milestone matters and every step forward is worth celebrating. Please only share if and when it feels right for you.  There is no pressure, only support and community.

From our Social Worker

Managing epilepsy can come with unexpected medical costs, and we understand how stressful this can be when finances are already stretched. The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) may be able to help by offering interest-free loans of up to $2,000 for essential items, including some medical and health-related products. There are no fees, no interest, and no credit checks, and the loan is paid directly to the supplier, so you’re not left managing extra financial pressure.

If you hold a concession card or are on a low income, NILS could be a safe alternative to high-interest loans or going without something you truly need. As a social worker, I encourage anyone worried about the cost of medical equipment or related supports to reach out — you don’t have to manage this alone. Support and information are available through NILS Tasmania on 1300 301 650 or via their website, https://www.nilstasmania.org.au/  and I’m also happy to help explore this option with you.

If you would like further information, please call Shirl on 0439 439 041.

From our Registered Nurse

Stem Cell Therapies: A Promising Future for Epilepsy

Stem cell-based therapies are emerging as a potential new approach for people with epilepsy, especially those whose seizures are not controlled by current medicines or surgery. Unlike traditional treatments, stem cells aim to repair damaged brain circuits, restore balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals, and reduce harmful inflammation in the epileptic brain.

Preclinical studies in animal models have shown that various stem cell types — including neural, induced pluripotent, embryonic and mesenchymal stem cells — can reduce seizure frequency, improve cognition, and support brain repair after transplantation. Early human trials suggest that stem cell interventions may be safe and feasible, with encouraging signs of seizure reduction and better quality of life.

Researchers are also exploring gene editing, supportive scaffolds, and cell-derived exosomes to enhance the effectiveness of these therapies. While more extensive clinical research is needed, stem cell treatments hold significant promise as future options for refractory epilepsy.

Kate - Outreach Education & Training Registered Nurse - 0407 994 205

Leave a Lasting Legacy with Epilepsy Tasmania

Would you like to support Epilepsy Tasmania through a gift in your Will?
You can now write your Will online from the comfort of your home in just 15 minutes—for as little as $159.

We’ve partnered with Willed, an Australian organisation that makes end-of-life planning simple, affordable, and accessible. Their experienced team of lawyers, paralegals, and funeral consultants are here to support you every step of the way—from writing your Will, to managing probate and funeral arrangements.

By leaving a gift to Epilepsy Tasmania, you’re helping ensure we can continue supporting Tasmanians living with epilepsy for generations to come.

Start your Will today at www.willed.com.au/epilepsytasmania

Thank you for leaving a legacy of care, compassion, and hope. 

Epilepsy Tasmania Feedback Survey

Epilepsy Tasmania is a not-for-profit community organisation improving the quality of life of Tasmanians with epilepsy, and those around them, through education, coordination and support.

This survey is for anyone who has recently interacted or received services from Epilepsy Tasmania. This short survey asks a few questions about your experience and satisfaction with Epilepsy Tasmania services.

Your answers will remain anonymous. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5ZB2BH2

Need ideas for Fundraising.....

Download the Epilepsy First Aid Poster for Your Workplace

Place it in prominent positions around your workplace for both staff and customers.

Epilepsy Tasmania is a not-for-profit community organisation improving the quality of life of Tasmanians with epilepsy, and those around them, through education, coordination and support.

“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it"  — Charles R Swindoll