Welcome to our March edition of Talking Point!
In case you missed it, we recently celebrated our International Women’s Day celebrations at the start of the month, followed by our wonderful Mum’s Retreat. I loved seeing our community of women band together to connect and share personal stories of resilience. Read our highlights below!
For the next few months, we have so many upcoming events in store for you. Get ready for Big Red Roll and Stroll 2024, the biggest event of the year! We also have our upcoming Peer Connect Easter Lunch, Young Adults Retreat and Adventure Camp. To register, read on below.
We have also recently launched our Clients, Families & Friends Survey for 2024. This 15-minute survey is designed to help better serve you, our valued community. As a thank you for your time, we are giving the first 100 participants a $25 Mastercard gift card upon completion and get this… you’ll also be in the running to WIN a $500 gift card!
As we head into the Easter holidays, I wish you all a lovely Easter break with your loved ones. We look forward to seeing you at our next event or program!
Yours sincerely,
Charlotte Sangster, (she/her)
CEO, MDNSW
International Women's Day Celebrations
On Friday, 8 March 2024 we hosted our International Women’s Day celebrations to connect and celebrate the resilience of women in our neuromuscular community.
It was inspiring to see our diverse community of women of all ages and abilities share stories of strength and build friendships through a common understanding.
MC’ed by our Senior Community Support Specialist, Carolyn Campbell-McLean and hosted at the PHIVE community centre in Parramatta, our community decked out in a splash of purple, were treated to lunch, lucky door prizes and scrumptious cupcakes!
Thank you to our wonderful speakers, Olivia Eggleton for presenting a Welcome to Country and community member, Ellie Robertson, for sharing her personal story. Lastly, thank you to our wonderful community who came and celebrated with us. What a memorable day!
Upcoming Peer Connect Events
We have some great events coming up in the next few months in Peer Connect!
- On Sunday, 23 March, we have our InfoShare Social Easter lunch at Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club in West Ryde, RSVP at info@mdnsw.org.au by Thursday 21 March.
- The Myotonic Meet Up meets again on Zoom on Tuesday 9 April at 11 – 12.30pm.
- We also have our InfoShare session on Accessible Healthcare 10 April at 7pm.
- The Peer Connect Retreat this year will be held in Newcastle again, with spots filling fast for this popular and fun weekend! Express your interest by Monday 1 April and please let us know if you require an accessible room, or standard room. More information here.
Mum's Retreat
On 15 – 17 March 2024, we hosted our annual Mum’s Retreat at the Federation Gardens & Possum Hideaway in Blackheath, for mums of children living with an NMC.
With ten mums in attendance, our community had the opportunity to make friendships, create memories and relax with other mums who simply understand.
Some of the highlights of the two-night retreat include sharing advice and practical tips to guide through the NDIS and disability providers, sharing personal stories of struggles and re-connecting with others with similar perspectives and having the opportunity to relax and recharge in the picturesque Blue Mountains.
For more info on events, check our our calendar below!
📢 Giveaway alert! 📢 Community Insights Survey
We want to know all about how we can support you and your loved ones! Complete our 2024 Clients, Families & Friends survey and as a thank you, we will be gifting the first 100 survey participants a $25 Mastercard gift card! Not only will you receive this, but you'll also be in the running to WIN a $500 gift card! So what are you waiting for?!
*T&Cs apply. Applicants must be an active member of the MDNSW community within the last 5 years. Competition closes 10 April 2024.
Young Adults Retreat, Friday, 31 May - Monday, 3 June
Friends, fun and so much more! Registrations are still open for our Young Adults Retreat!
WHEN: Friday 31 May – Monday 3 June
WHERE: Sydney Academy of Sport & Recreation, Narrabeen
Secure your spot, e-mail info@mdnsw.org.au or phone 9888 5711.
Adventure Camp: Wednesday, 17 July - Sunday, 21 July 2024
Get ready for Big Red Roll & Stroll 2024!
In case you missed it… Big Red Roll & Stroll will take place on 23 June 2024 at Parramatta Park!
Celebrate the biggest event of the year and register your interest now.
Don’t miss out on Adventure Camp! Adventure Camp gives kids aged 6-18 living with a neuromuscular condition and are independently mobile, the chance to make new friends, catch up with old ones, build confidence and have fun.
WHEN: Wednesday 17 July - Sunday 21 July 2024
WHERE: Tops Convention Centre, 51 Bendena Garden, Stanwell Tops
Places are limited so register now! E-mail: info@mdnsw.org.au or phone 9888 5711.
MDNSW attends Italian-Australian Community Charity Lunch
We would like to say a big THANK YOU to Felice Montrone OAM and the Board of the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund!
On Sunday 3rd March 2024, our CEO Charlotte Sangster, MDNSW President Robert Fraser, MDNSW Board Director Susanna Montrone and MDNSW Fundraising Manager Prue Steel, attended the 2024 Italian-Australian Community Charity Lunch, hosted by Felice Montrone OAM, Chairman of the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund.
MDNSW was granted $5,000, to help us deliver our mission of connecting and supporting individuals living with a neuromuscular condition.
In 2023, MDNSW was fortunate to be the beneficiary of the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund, and we are delighted to announce their continued support in 2024.
Thank you to the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund for your generosity, and the continued kindness you share within your local communities. We are grateful for your support!
Come and try! South West Sydney Powerchair Football
Are you curious about powerchair football? If you’re based in South West Sydney and surrounds, come and give powerchair football a go at these FREE sessions! Learn skills, make friends and get fit with Powerchair football!
WHEN: Saturday 4 May, 12 – 4pm or Sunday 5 May, 10 – 4pm
WHERE: Mt Annan Leisure Centre, 368 Welling Drive, Mount Annan NSW 2567 (All equipment provided!)
Research participants needed!
Save our Sons Duchenne Foundation (SOSDF) and the University of Queensland are on the look-out for young adults aged 16+ or family caregivers of young adults with DMD to help design a smartphone application to assist with self-care in the transition phase and beyond for DMD.
You can participate in the form of an interview, online workshop or app test.
For more information, contact Dr Lee Woods at lee.woods@uq.edu.au.
Help PDCN improve disability inclusion!
The Physical Disability Council of NSW (PDCN) aims to build awareness and understanding of services, employers and government to be more accessible and inclusive for all people with disabilities, to action real and lasting change – and they need your input!
They want to reach as many people with lived experience of disabilities across all types of disability to better understand what's needed to provide truly accessible and inclusive services and workplaces.
Complete the below 10-20 minute survey below. You'll also be in the running to win one of four $50 vouchers. Bonus!
Thanks to our Official Partners
