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Edition 69, 2025
Hi Friends,
March Reflections from the CEO
March has been a truly incredible month for Epilepsy Tasmania. Through the energy, generosity, and commitment of our community, we’ve raised thousands of dollars more to support service delivery and vital support programs for Tasmanians living with and impacted by epilepsy. Thank you!
There were so many highlights. We officially moved into our new Launceston office at 31 Thistle Street, within the Door of Hope precinct. This new space gives us better parking, improved training facilities, and a vibrant new environment to continue supporting the epilepsy community across Tasmania.
Across the state, buildings and landmarks were lit up purple to raise awareness and show support, creating a stunning visual reminder of the 270,000 Australians living with epilepsy.
World Purple Day was another major highlight. In true Purple Hero spirit, we hosted two epic Muck Challenges—first in Hobart and then the next day in Launceston. I personally got “mucked” two days in a row, alongside our amazing team member Amy! (Keep an eye out for the photo proof.) It was messy, it was purple, and it was all for a fantastic cause.
A huge thank you also goes to Youngtown Pharmacy and Ethical Electrical & Fire & Ethical Bookkeeping & Admin, who went above and beyond.
Youngtown Pharmacy raised thousands of dollars, sold our merchandise and also dyed their hair purple to show their support—an amazing example of community spirit in action!
The Ethical Team hosted a purple lunch for their staff with Lance donning a purple beard as well as being head chef! Thanks Lance also for being on the BBQ team at the Launceston Muck Challenge. Another amazing example of community spirit in action.
As we reflect on this huge month, it's important to remember that 2025 marks a very special milestone-our 50th Anniversary. For half a century, community fundraising has played a critical role in allowing Epilepsy Tasmania to support, educate, and advocate for people living with epilepsy.
As we celebrate 50 years of service and support, we look ahead to the next 50 years with the same commitment and passion. With your continued help, we can ensure every Tasmanian impacted by epilepsy has access to the care and understanding they deserve—today, tomorrow, and for decades to come. Thank you for standing with us.
Paul Quilliam
CEO, Epilepsy Tasmania
A huge thank you to the businesses and organisations below that showed their support for epilepsy awareness by lighting up in Purple.
Make March Purple showed all of us working to raise awareness of epilepsy around the country, that communities care.
We were even on radio and television!
Patronage
We are also excited and privileged to announce that the Governor of Tasmania, Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, and Emeritus Professor Don Chalmers AO have accepted our invitation to become joint patrons of Epilepsy Tasmania. Over the decades, we have had a longstanding association with past Governors and Government House. We are thrilled to formalise this patronage again.
You can help us Celebrate 50 years of Epilepsy Tasmania
As we prepare to celebrate this year, we would love to hear from you if you or someone you know has been connected with Epilepsy Tasmania in the past-whether as a volunteer, donor, staff member, Board Member or someone who has benefited from our services.
We can't wait to celebrate with you and if you are able to help out with names of people that we can celebrate with, please contact us at 50th@epilepsytasmania.org.au or as per the contact details below.
We are looking forward to your help in creating a memorable 50 years of stories, memories and acknowledgements.
Also, in next month's edition of Brainwaves, we'll be sharing the very first newsletter from September 1975 letting Tasmania know that a small group of amazing people met on the 28th July 1975 to begin the enormous journey of advocacy and support that has brought us to this point in time of celebrating 50 years.
Education and Training: Are YOU Epilepsy Ready?
Are you wanting to find out more about epilepsy/seizures and learn how to help someone having a seizure?
Providing the right help at the right time is crucial
Our Education and Training team prepare individuals to help someone with Epilepsy. Whether you are a teacher, coworker, disability worker or family member we have training to support your situation and needs.
- 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.
Like to know more?
Contact us:
Email education@epilepsytasmania.org.au
Phone - Liz 0456 231 632 or Sarah 0422 818 490.
Making Epilepsy Support Easy to Access
At Epilepsy Tasmania, we believe support should be easy to find and simple to understand. That’s why we’re making it easier than ever for Tasmanians to access reliable epilepsy information, helpful products, peer support, and training. Whether you’re looking for up-to-date facts about epilepsy, seizure alert devices, someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through, or training for your school, workplace, or community—we’re here to help.
Epilepsy Tasmania’s trained staff can also develop personalised Emergency Management Plans to guide those around you—like family, friends, workplaces, or support services—on how to respond safely and confidently to seizures. With the right tools and support, living with epilepsy doesn’t have to be faced alone.
Our friendly team of Trainers, Social Worker, Nurses, and Peer Support Workers are ready to help. Please call us on (03) 6344 6881 to find out more.
Shirl – Social Worker, Education & Training
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
Peer Support
Did you Know?
We've partnered with Entertainment to offer some great deals if you purchase a membership in support of our fundraising goals. We know you will be keen to see what bargains you can score.
Are you looking for ways you can volunteer in the community in 2025?
We are eager to welcome new volunteers and reconnect with those who have supported us in the past. These people and their contributions will be vital in helping us achieve our mission to raise awareness and advocate for those living with epilepsy. Whether you’re interested in assisting with events, or spreading awareness, there are numerous ways to get involved. We invite individuals who are passionate about making a difference to join us in what promises to be a year of growth and celebration. We look forward to hearing from you at volunteering@epilepsytasmania.org.au
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.
"You learn more from failure than from success. Don't let it stop you. Failure builds character." – Unknown.
