It's a Wrap for 2025
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Edition 73, 2025
Hi Friends,
A Message from the CEO
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank you for your support in what has been another remarkable year for Epilepsy Tasmania.
While our 50th anniversary celebrations have reminded us of the legacy we’ve built, this year has been all about momentum—growing our services, deepening community partnerships, and staying focused on making a real difference for Tasmanians living with or impacted by epilepsy.
One of the most heartening signs of that momentum was this year’s Walk for Epilepsy. Thanks to the incredible efforts of individuals, families, schools, and workplaces across Tasmania, we raised more than $16,600.00 to support vital services, peer programmes, and training initiatives. Thank you to every single person who walked, donated, or cheered from the sidelines. Your impact is felt far and wide.
As we prepare for 2026, we are also looking to grow our volunteer base. In the new year, we’ll begin reaching out to those who’ve already expressed interest in volunteering—we’re looking forward to meeting with you and hearing how you’d like to be involved. We’re especially keen to hear from:
- People with lived experience of epilepsy who may wish to be trained and supported to take part in peer support activities
- Individuals or small groups interested in helping us with fundraising and awareness initiatives in their communities
If this sounds like something you’d like to be part of, we’d love to hear from you. Volunteering is a powerful way to create change—and we’re ready to walk alongside you.
In the last few years, we have seen hundreds of workplaces and schools across Tasmania download and display our Seizure First Aid Posters, which has been a brilliant step forward in building epilepsy-aware environments. These resources not only improve safety—they open the door to conversations, inclusion, and compassion. We encourage every school, business, and organisation to continue raising awareness into the new year.
Looking ahead to March 2026, our annual Make March Purple campaign is just around the corner and we’re already encouraging councils, schools, and businesses to start planning. Lighting up buildings in purple, hosting purple-themed days, and running fundraisers are just a few of the ways you can help show your support and raise awareness. Early planning means bigger impact—so now’s the perfect time to start having those conversations in your workplace or school.
We are also proud once again to be part of the ABC Giving Tree Appeal, working alongside other community organisations to spread support and hope this Christmas to Tasmanians who need it most.
Finally, to our wonderful Epilepsy Tasmania staff and Board—thank you. Your commitment, creativity, and care underpin everything we do. This year has shown once again how passionate and capable our team is, and how ready we are for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Thank you to everyone in our community who stood with us in 2025. Your support helps make Tasmania a place where people with epilepsy are safer, better understood, and never alone.
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, peaceful, and joy-filled festive season.
Warmest wishes
Paul Quilliam
CEO, Epilepsy Tasmania
The Hobart Team at the ABC Giving Tree Launch
https://abc-giving-tree-appeal.mygiveeasy.com/abc-giving-tree-appeal-2025/donate
From our Training Coordinators
Training for ALL - Get in now for 2026
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.
Keen to know more?
Contact us: education@epilepsytasmania.org.au
Liz 0456 231 632 | Sarah 0422 818 490
From our Social Worker
The Christmas period can bring unique safety challenges for people living with epilepsy, from disrupted routines and travel, to increased social activities and changes in sleep patterns.
From a social work perspective, supporting families and individuals involves helping them plan ahead, identifying potential risks and implementing practical strategies to stay safe, whilst still enjoying the holiday season.
This may include guidance on ensuring safe environments at home, social gatherings, and travel, knowing when and how to seek support if seizures occur, or referral to Peer support. By combining safety planning with emotional and practical support, we aim to empower individuals and families to navigate the festive season with confidence, less stress and promoting wellbeing for everyone affected by epilepsy.
If you would like further information, please call Shirl on 0439 439 041.
Merry Christmas everyone 🎄
From our Registered Nurse
New AI tool offers hope for children with epilepsy
Researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), in collaboration with The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), have developed an advanced “AI-epilepsy detective” that can identify tiny brain lesions — the size of a blueberry — that often underlie severe, drug-resistant epilepsy in children.
These lesions, known as focal cortical dysplasia, are notoriously difficult to spot using standard MRI scans — human radiology alone missed them in about 80% of cases in the study. By combining MRI and FDG-PET imaging data, the AI tool was able to detect dysplasias with up to 94% success in the test cohort.
Where a lesion is found, children may be eligible for targeted epilepsy surgery — offering the potential for seizure-freedom and improved long-term developmental outcomes. In the study, of 17 children identified by the AI tool and referred for surgery, 12 had the operation and 11 are now seizure-free.
While the tool does not guarantee a cure for every child, it represents an important step in supporting earlier, more accurate diagnosis and helping clinicians make more informed treatment decisions. The research team hopes to expand testing of the tool across paediatric hospitals throughout Australia.
Kate - Outreach Education & Training Registered Nurse - 0407 994 205
Thank you Matt and his wonderful staff from United Plastering Tasmania (UPT) who donated and cooked snags all day last Saturday at Mowbray Golf Club to raise awareness of epilepsy in the community and to raise funds for Epilepsy Tasmania.
A HUGE thank you to Mowbray Golf Club for supporting UPT and Epilepsy Tasmania and to Matt for organising the day. Your generosity and perseverance on a wet, cold, blustery day was incredible
From our Peer Support Coordinator
National Access and Inclusion Workshop (held October 2025)
The National Access and Inclusion Workshop, facilitated by Leonie Hogarth and myself, brought together people living with epilepsy to discuss barriers they face when accessing disability, health and community services. These barriers often negatively affect wellbeing and quality of life.
The workshop was one of three national consultations designed to gather lived-experience insights to co-create practical, accessible resources that build skills, confidence and self-advocacy. Participants shared experiences and ideas to inform solutions that support greater access and participation across key service systems.
Outcomes from this workshop—and a subsequent online session—will guide the development or recommendation of resources targeting common access and inclusion challenges experienced by people living with epilepsy.
Amy - Peer Support Coordinator - 0419 596 489
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 Christmas gifts?
Have you thought about a great Christmas gift knowing you are supporting our work as well? This Christmas, every Entertainment Membership comes with an extra surprise under the tree… a Bonus Visa Gift Card - yours to gift or enjoy.
We know you will be keen to see what bargains you can score.
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.
“I will honour Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.” — Napoleon Hill
