Welcome to your March issue of Talking Point! 

Time is flying by and it's hard to believe how much we've already accomplished in the first few months of the year. But we’re not slowing down – we also have some exciting updates and events coming up in the months ahead!

In this issue, we’re sharing a variety of opportunities and events, from a new peer group for students with disability to details about the 2025 Big Red Roll & Stroll. We’ve also included highlights from recent activities like our Makers Day, SMArties social, Young Adult's Retreat and a special International Women’s Day celebration. You can read all about them below.

I’m incredibly proud of the events and opportunities we continue to offer and deeply appreciate of the positive feedback we’ve received from participants.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support – we look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events!

Yours sincerely, 
Charlotte Sangster

Charlotte Sangster, (she/her)
CEO, MDNSW

2025 Clients, Family & Friends Survey

You're invited to share your thoughts and feedback through our 2025 Clients, Families & Friends Survey. It takes just 10 minutes to complete and will directly help us enhance our services and support. Plus, you’ll have the chance to WIN a $250 or $500 gift card! We want to know what you love, what you’d like to see more of and how we can improve. 

Big Red Roll & Stroll Early Bird Registrations

For the first time ever, the Big Red Roll & Stroll (BRRS) will be at Sydney Zoo on the 10th May! Last year was our biggest BRRS yet, and we need you to make our first one at Sydney Zoo even bigger and better. 

This year, your donations will go towards supporting young people living with a neuromuscular condition. Your support will help provide a fun and meaningful experience at MDNSW's camps and retreats where they can enjoy activities, build connections, and create lasting memories.

Register now and go into the draw to win 1 of 3 $100 VISA gift cards.

You don't want to miss this wild day out!

International Women's Day

On Friday, March 7, we celebrated the incredible women in our community with a day filled with stories, wisdom and plenty of purple! Participants contributed treasures for the Women’s Wisdom Well – poems, quotes, photos and special objects that symbolised what International Women’s Day means to them. During our sharing circle, the women spoke beautifully about the strength, resilience and power of women, both locally and globally.

Feedback from the day was overwhelmingly positive, with comments like:

“It was a nice way to catch up with everyone and the sharing circle was so nice.”

“Thank you for organising such a wonderful friendly day.”

“What a nice day... Beautiful. Such a nice venue.”

Young Adult's Retreat Reflections

Earlier this month, 14 young adults gathered at Point Wolstoncroft for the Young Adult's Retreat. The weekend kicked off with outdoor games and activities to help everyone get to know each other and their carers.

Despite some wet weather, the group adapted by splitting into different activities – some took a trip down to Westfield, while others enjoyed baking, board games and crafts. On Saturday night, a competitive trivia session brought everyone together.

Sunday morning featured a photography workshop and a group visit to The Entrance Markets, followed by an afternoon of fishing and swimming, making the most of the clear skies and warm weather. The retreat ended on a high note with a 80's/Rock & Roll party night, featuring fantastic karaoke performances.

Despite the rain, everyone had an amazing time and is excited for the next retreat in November! Thank you in particular to Bec & Bruno who each volunteered their time to share their skills with the group. 

Maker's Day Fun!

On Friday February 21, we hosted our fourth Makers Day, with nine community members in attendance. The group enjoyed creating succulent arrangements adorned with toadstools and little fences, followed by crafting beautiful cards to spread cheer. After a delicious lunch and sharing circle, the afternoon concluded with framed, one-of-a-kind artworks. We've received great feedback and look forward to our next Makers Day in June!

SMArties Meet Up

On Saturday March 1, we hosted a SMArties social at Club Parramatta. A group of 16 people living with SMA and their families, ranging in age from eight to 65, caught up over a long lunch.  Conversations covered everything from the best TV shows to stream, finding the right respiratory clinic to navigating NDIS challenges. The group would like to meet twice a year, so our next SMArties Meet Up will be in October.

Adventure Camp

The adventure of a lifetime is nearly here! Our 2025 Adventure Camp is just around the corner, kicking off from Sunday 13 April at Stanwell Tops. And there are still a few spots left! From archery and abseiling to movie nights and disco parties – there’s something for everyone. This camp is designed for children aged 6 to 18 who are independently mobile.

Register your interest by contacting us at info@mdnsw.org.au or call (02) 9888 5711. 

Mum's Retreat

It’s on again – a weekend for you to get away and connect with other mums! This year’s venue is at Blackheath, in the Blue Mountains. Federation Gardens and Possum Hideaway is in a quiet bushland location with self-contained cottages, a tennis court, badminton and volleyball net, pool, barbecue area, games room and a fire pit. 

Register your interest early by contacting us at info@mdnsw.org.au or call (02) 9888 5711. 

Student Life

Calling all students living with a neuromuscular condition (NMC)!⁠ We’re starting a new peer group just for you. Our first meetup, including lunch, will be at Western Sydney Uni’s Rydalmere campus on 26 March. Meet others who get what you're going through, share stories and build connections For more details, contact Carolyn at Carolyn.cm@mdnsw.org.au.

If you can't attend on the day, but are still interested, get in touch with Carolyn as we will be setting up a WhatsApp group and Zoom sessions for students too! 

Family Easter Lunch

Join other people living with an NMC and their families for a lovely Easter Lunch on Sunday 27 April at Ardill House – MDNSW's new office! There will be an Easter Egg hunt for the kids, a catered lunch and hot cross buns for the adults!

Meet others, get handy information and connect with your NMC community. Free but registration required.

Aging with an NMC

We're all getting older, but aging with a physical disability can be especially challenging.

Join this supportive online chat to share your story, exchange tips, and get helpful information and support from peers. For more details, contact Carolyn at Carolyn.cm@mdnsw.org.au.

MD Dads

Join other dads of kids living with neuromuscular conditions on a fun night out at Kiss My Axe in Blacktown.

Meet. Connect. Relax. Dinner and activities included, buy your own drinks.

RSVP to Chris Carrero on 0423386977 or via Messenger. 

Peer Connect Retreat – SOLD OUT!

Thank you to all those who registered. We can't wait to see you all soon. If you want to stay in touch to find out about the latest programs and events, download our calendar!

PDCN workshops

The Physical Disability Council of NSW are running a series of online workshops throughout April.

These workshops are free for people with disability and their parents or unpaid informal supports. Workshops will cover topics such as the NDIS and employability.

Paid writing opportunity

Mascara Literary Review is seeking unpublished creative nonfiction writing, poetry and new experimental prose for an anthology of creative writing by people with disability. The anthology focuses on intersectionality and disability justice.  All selected contributors will be paid $500. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2025.

Holiday home in Canowindra

A holiday home stay in beautiful Canowindra is available, with two accessible rooms with ceiling hoists, accessible bathroom, pool with hoist, and shared kitchen.

For details, contact Jemimah at 0458 090 967