Hi Friends,

This year, we are proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Epilepsy Tasmania. For five decades, we have been working to support Tasmanians living with epilepsy and their families, building a stronger and more understanding community. This milestone offers us a chance to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, and focus on the work that still lies ahead.

It all began on the 28th of July, 1975, when a group of dedicated individuals came together with a shared vision: to create a supportive community for those living with epilepsy. Their passion and determination set the foundation for what has grown into a vital organisation in Tasmania. These early advocates broke down barriers, challenged stigma, and made it clear that no one living with epilepsy should face it alone.

Since then, Epilepsy Tasmania has grown and adapted, staying true to the principles of care, education, and advocacy. From establishing support networks and delivering training to promoting research and raising awareness, our achievements have been made possible by the efforts of our staff, volunteers, donors, and supporters.

As we mark this significant anniversary, we remain focused on the future. There is still much to do. We are committed to improving access to healthcare, raising awareness about epilepsy, and embracing new opportunities to enhance the lives of those we serve.

Looking ahead, we envision a Tasmania where every school, workplace, and community supports those living with epilepsy; where new treatments and research offer greater hope; and where stigma becomes a thing of the past.

We invite you to join us in this celebration and in shaping the next chapter of Epilepsy Tasmania’s story. Whether through sharing your experiences, volunteering, or supporting our initiatives, your contribution makes a difference.

Here’s to 50 years of impact and to the work we’ll do together in the years to come.

Paul Quilliam
CEO, Epilepsy Tasmania

We’re excited to announce that the annual Make March Purple campaign launches today.

This national campaign raises awareness and funds for epilepsy in recognition and support of the

This year's theme is ‘Purple Heroes’ and is all about celebrating the courage, resilience and strength of the 270,000 people in Australia, including 5,500 Tasmanians, who live with this condition, whilst appreciating  the unsung heroes who have supported them.

Here's what’s new this year:

• Purple Challenges - Take on a Purple Challenge in support of people living with epilepsy. Challenges include, the Purple Hero Challenge, the Purple Grill Challenge, the Purple Muck Challenge and the Purple Schools Challenge (Purple Hero Day).
• Challenge Champions - We are so thankful to have a number of household names championing the initiative, including food journalist and TV personality, Matt Preston, football legends, Brett Ratten and Wally Lewis, and Purple Wiggle, Lachlan Gillespie as well as Neurologist, Dr Emma Foster,
• Merchandise - We have a range of fresh merchandise, including t-shirts, aprons, tea towels, bucket hats and bandanas.
• Purple Plush Toys - New animal plush toys have been added to our range, including a cat, flamingo, alpaca and kangaroo (stock available by organisation).
• Website Resources - New posters, virtual background and social media tiles are available on the Resources page of the website to assist with your fundraising promotions and communications.
• Incentive Prizes - For the first time, we have introduced exciting incentive prizes that are up for grabs. Go purple for your chance to win!

Not all heroes wear capes. 

Be a Purple Hero and register for a Purple Challenge today.

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. 

Education and Training: Are YOU Epilepsy Ready?

We ARE and we care about preparing individuals to support someone with Epilepsy. Whether you are a teacher, coworker, disability worker or family member we have training to support your situation and needs.

Currently 1% of the Tasmanian population are experiencing active epilepsy. If you don’t already know someone with epilepsy you are likely to at some point in your life. Seizure first aid training can prepare you to respond quickly and provide support to the person experiencing the seizure. We can also deliver tailored training specific to an individual’s Epilepsy Management Plans – including administration of emergency medication if needed.

Here is what some of our participants had to say:

"It was very informative and covered all aspects of supporting a participant with epilepsy. The animated clips were a great way of seeing what seizures may present like."

"Practical advice of school-based situations and what different seizures may look like."

"Demystified the disorder for me & am enabled to be a support to anyone having an episode."

"The whole presentation was interesting and informative, providing more understanding."

Contact us for more information via email education@epilepsytasmania.org.au or phone

Liz 0456 231 632 or Sarah 0422 818 490.

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. 

Celebrate International Epilepsy Day 2025  

Mark your calendars! On Monday, 10th February 2025, we join millions of people worldwide to celebrate International Epilepsy Day. This special day shines a light on the challenges faced by those living with epilepsy and highlights the incredible strength and resilience of individuals and families impacted by the condition.

International Epilepsy Day is a global movement to increase awareness and reduce stigma surrounding epilepsy. Through stories, education, and advocacy, it encourages communities to come together to create a more understanding and supportive world. This year’s theme, "Epilepsy in Action," emphasizes the importance of proactive efforts in education, advocacy, and care for people living with epilepsy.

For more information visit https://internationalepilepsyday.org/

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. Volunteers are the heart of our work at Epilepsy Tasmania, and their contributions are vital in helping us achieve our mission to raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for those living with epilepsy. Whether you’re interested in assisting with events, offering support services, 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 

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." – Winston Churchill