27 Recommendations, 27 Walks, 27 Conversations
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Edition 82, 2026
Hi Friends,
Today, October 21 is SUDEP Action Day, and we are reminded of the importance of compassion, awareness and open conversations about epilepsy.
SUDEP — Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy — is a difficult subject, but one we cannot afford to avoid. No family should first hear about SUDEP after losing someone they love. Everyone living with epilepsy deserves access to information, appropriate care and the opportunity to discuss their individual risks with their healthcare professionals, from the time of diagnosis onwards.
The recent Australian Senate Inquiry into Epilepsy highlighted the need for greater awareness of SUDEP and the devastating reality that some families only learn about it after experiencing an unimaginable loss. This reinforces why education, informed conversations and access to support must remain central to our work.
At Epilepsy Tasmania, we are committed to ensuring that people living with epilepsy, their families and carers feel heard, supported and empowered to ask questions and seek the help they need. We also remember those whose lives have been lost to SUDEP and extend our heartfelt compassion to the families and friends who continue to carry their loss.
As you read this edition of our newsletter, I hope you feel the strength of our community and the importance of the work we continue to do together. Every conversation, every act of support and every step towards greater understanding matters.
Thank you for standing alongside us and helping build a Tasmania where no one affected by epilepsy has to face the journey alone.
27 Recommendations. 27 Walks. 27 Conversations.
Turning the Senate Inquiry into Epilepsy in Australia into action.
Throughout October, as part of Walk for Epilepsy 2026, I have been sharing a daily series of YouTube videos exploring the 27 recommendations arising from the Senate Inquiry into Epilepsy in Australia.
Through our 27 Recommendations. 27 Walks. 27 Conversations. campaign, I unpack each recommendation and what it could mean for Tasmanians living with epilepsy, their families and carers, together with the wider community.
From improving access to specialist care and strengthening the epilepsy workforce, to better education, support and national coordination, these recommendations represent an important opportunity to improve the lives of people affected by epilepsy across Australia.
Each video brings the recommendations to life, highlighting why change is needed and how implementing these recommendations could make a real difference.
Every walk is an opportunity to raise awareness. Every conversation brings us closer to change.
🎥 Watch the daily video series on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@epilepsytasmania3673
We encourage you to watch, share and join the conversation as we continue advocating for a future where every Australian affected by epilepsy can access the understanding, care and support they deserve.
Warmly,
Paul Quilliam
CEO, Epilepsy Tasmania
It has been an important and busy time for the epilepsy community, for which we are grateful.
Our Walk for Epilepsy 2026 – Move for the Moments campaign is pounding ahead bringing people across Tasmania together throughout October.
It's exciting that Five Tasmanian participants have each raised over $1,000, driven by love and a determination to make a difference, with another team having raised over $5,000.
Visit our Tasmania Leaderboard to read their stories, follow our live fundraising tally, and see the power of a community that walks together.
Together, we are filling Tasmania with understanding, compassion, and action – for every person and family touched by epilepsy.
Did you know that even when October is over you can still donate to the campaign?
It's never too late to make an impact.
💜 Why these participants are walking for epilepsy 💜
I want to raise money and make a difference for people living with epilepsy. The more people that know about the walk, the greater the impact, so please also spread the word by sharing our page with your friends and family. Thank you in advance for your generosity, it means a lot!
I have the sweetest little man in my life who has epilepsy. He gives the best hugs and brightens everyone’s day. Epilepsy impacts his and his family’s life in ways people wouldn’t imagine. I want to raise money and make a difference for Sam and other people living with epilepsy.
We’re walking together as a family to support our beautiful Mia and everyone living with epilepsy.Mia is brave, strong and an absolute little warrior. We’re incredibly proud of her and every step we take is for Mia and for all the other little warriors and their families navigating life with epilepsy.
💜 Dine, Donate & Make a Difference!
Have you popped into Grill'd this month? Have you seen the Epilepsy Tasmania Jar?
Order at Grill’d restaurant inhouse or online during October and you’ll receive a token to vote for the cause closest to your heart. Pop your token in the Epilepsy Tasmania jar and help support Tasmanians living with epilepsy.
🍔 Order your Grill’d favourite.
🟣 Drop your token in our jar.
💜 Help make a difference!
Thank you to Grill’d North Hobart for continuing to raise awareness and supporting Epilepsy Tasmania!
Still need training in 2026? Planning ahead for 2027?
Our Education and Training team provides tailored training for schools, workplaces, disability services, families and community organisations, helping people feel confident knowing what to do when someone has a seizure.
Don’t leave it until next year – get in touch and secure your training now.
education@epilepsytasmania.org.au
Liz: 0456 231 632 | Sarah: 0422 818 490
Thank you to those people who have already partnered with Entertainment by purchasing a membership in support of our fundraising goals. We know you are excited by the bargains you can now score.
Thought for the month
"Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. Winston Churchill
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.
