Welcome to your December issue of Talking Point!

As 2025 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to thank everyone in our MDNSW community – families, friends, volunteers and supporters – for being part of another meaningful year. You bring the energy, joy and spark to our community. It simply wouldn’t be what it is without you.

This is a time to reflect on what we’ve achieved together, and I’m pleased to share that our 2024–2025 Impact Report is now live. I hope you can have a read and see what you’ve been part of this year.

We wrapped up 2025 with a range of Peer Connect activities, including Community Day, MD Dads and a Peers Party. We’re sharing highlights and favourite moments below – keep reading to take a look.

You’ll also find our new Peer Connect calendar, along with details of camps, retreats and events coming up as we head into 2026. There’s plenty to look forward to, including a new regional Peer Connect lunch series, InfoShare sessions on topics like employability and more. Now’s the time to start marking your calendars!

As the festive season approaches, I wish you a safe and happy Christmas. I look forward to staying connected in the year ahead.

Yours sincerely, 

Jess Henry
CEO, MDNSW

As 2025 draws to a close, we’ve been reflecting on everything we’ve achieved together.

And right on cue, our 2024–2025 Impact Report is now live!

It's a snapshot of a year shaped by learning, belonging and growing together.

Whether it’s helping people understand their condition, creating spaces where they truly belong, or supporting independence and big dreams.

Take a look and see how your support and involvement helped our community learn, belong and grow this year. 

Connections, Festivities and Fun at Community Day

On the last Saturday of November, we came together for one of our favourite days of the year – Community Day!

It was packed with fun, from goodie bags and a scavenger hunt to raffles and a visit from Santa. A standout moment was families getting their very own festive photos, captured by the talented Claire from Six84 Photography.

There were gifts for the kids and plenty of opportunities for adults to connect.

One community member said:
“It was great to see and meet new people who live with the same disability as myself. We learn so much from each other and it’s really inspiring to hear about others and how they manage. The Community Day was fun bringing many people together. Thanks, MDNSW.”

If you attended Community Day and haven’t yet shared your feedback, fill out the survey here →

MD Dads in Action: Connection and Friendly Competition

Another fantastic MD Dads event is in the books! Six dads joined us at Strike Bowling Macquarie for lunch, laughs and a bit of friendly competition.

MD Dads is a peer group that gives fathers of children living with neuromuscular conditions a chance to connect, share experiences and support one another. Get-togethers like this are all about building friendships, swapping tips and having a bit of fun away from the daily routine.

We’re proud to back this special group and look forward to seeing it grow even more in 2026.

Peers Party: Celebrating the Year Together

Earlier this month, we wrapped up our last Peer Connect event of 2025 – and what better way to celebrate than with a Peers Party!

Six community members came together to share their highlights from the year, chat about what they’re looking forward to in 2026 and enjoy some festive trivia.

We finished by thanking everyone for being part of our strong, vibrant community. We can’t wait for more opportunities to connect and celebrate together in the new year!

Help Mums Like Alison Feel Supported

When Alison’s son Jack was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, life shifted overnight.

Through MDNSW, Alison found trusted information, support and a community of other mums who truly understood. From home visits to Mum’s Chat, these moments of connection gave Alison space to breathe, share openly and feel less alone. That support didn’t just help her – it strengthened her whole family.

This Christmas, there are many mums like Alison still carrying it all on their own. Your donation can give a mum a moment that changes everything.

A moment to rest. A moment to connect. A moment to feel supported and understood.

Will you give this Christmas, so that no mum has to face this journey alone?

Summer Camp Open Day – Last Chance!

WHEN: Wed 14 January, 10am – 2pm

WHERE: Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation

Curious about Summer Camp or have questions? Join us on 14 January for Open Day to explore the Camp experience, enjoy fun activities, meet our team and connect with campers!

Summer Camp is for kids aged 6-18 living with a neuromuscular condition who use powerchairs for mobility.

Connection Lunch: Love Your Peers

WHEN: Sat 14 February, 12 – 3pm

WHERE: Club Parramatta

Join your peers this Valentine’s Day for a relaxed get-together at Club Parramatta.

Enjoy delicious food and soak up the atmosphere with like-minded people. It’s an opportunity to make new connections, catch up with friends, share a few laughs, swap tips and experiences, and celebrate being part of a supportive, welcoming community. All in one afternoon of fun and friendship.

Myotonic Meet Up

WHEN: Tues 19 February, 11am – 12pm

WHERE: Online

If you live with Myotonic MD or are a family member, you’re invited to come along to our Myotonic Meet Up!

It’s a great way to connect with others, make friends and learn new things.

Peer Connect Local: Central West Meet Up

WHEN: Sun 22 February, 12 – 3pm

WHERE: Orange

If you live in Central West NSW, Peer Connect is coming to you!

Spend the afternoon with peers in your community who understand what it’s like to live with a neuromuscular condition. Have a chat, share local tips and build meaningful connections in your own community. Lunch is on us!

Employability Edge with PDCN

WHEN: Tues 24 Feb, 1:30 – 4pm

WHERE: Online

Looking to start or return to work? Curious about disability inclusion and accessibility in recruitment or the workplace?

Join our Employability Edge interactive workshop, designed by and for people with disability. Led by the Physical Disability Council of NSW's approachable facilitators with lived experience, this session will empower you to apply for, secure and maintain meaningful employment. You’ll gain practical tools to boost self-belief, job-hunting confidence and the ability to request reasonable adjustments.

Young Adults' Retreat 2026

WHEN: Fri 6 Mar – Mon 9 Mar 2026

WHERE: Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre

If you’re 18-30 living with a neuromuscular condition, our Young Adults Retreat is your gateway to building a supportive community for life!

This retreat is all about independence, fun and connection.

You’ll build life skills, find friendships and enjoy the freedom to shape your own experiences in a supportive and inclusive environment.

 International Women’s Day

WHEN: Friday 6 Mar, 11:30am – 2pm

WHERE: Cabarita Conservatory

Join us for a special International Women’s Day luncheon.

This fully accessible event is for women in our neuromuscular community and their families, carers and friends. Connect, share stories and celebrate the diversity, resilience and strength of our community.

More information to come soon!

Adventure Camp 2026

WHEN: Mon 13 – Fri 17 April 2026

WHERE: The Tops Conference Centre, Stanwell Tops

Discover adventure, friendship and unforgettable memories at our accessible Adventure Camp!

For kids and teens aged 6-18 living with a neuromuscular condition, this camp is all about building confidence, trying new things and making friends in a fun and supportive environment.

Expect 5 action-packed days of archery, abseiling, movie nights and more – adventures for every personality! 

Meet Laura!

With Summer Camp fast approaching, it’s only fitting to introduce one of the people who makes so much of the fun and magic possible – Laura, our Senior Community Support Specialist.

Laura brings a wealth of experience from across disability services, including roles in Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Accommodation.

A self-proclaimed “sucker for the magic of camp,” she loves seeing first-hand how our programs light up the lives of kids living with neuromuscular conditions.

If life had a soundtrack for Laura, it would be “It Is What It Is” by Jenna Raine, a reminder that it’s okay to laugh, let loose and enjoy the moment.

Scholarships for Wheelchair Users Starting Tertiary Study in 2026

Are you a wheelchair user planning to start university, TAFE or another registered training course next year?

Northcott and The SpineCare Foundation are offering scholarships to help with the extra costs that can come with study.

Previous recipients have received support for things like transport, on-campus accommodation, additional learning resources and access to tutors or scribes. Applications are open until 28 January 2026.

Learn more about eligibility details and apply →

Sydney Festival Accessibility Guide

Every January, Sydney Festival transforms the city with theatre, dance, music, circus, visual arts and big ideas.

The Festival’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan supports more people to access, enjoy and feel welcome at the festival.

The 2026 Sydney Festival preview guide is now accessible in multiple formats including large print, MP3 and interactive options. Inside you’ll find practical information covering vision, hearing, sensory-friendly experiences, mobility, companion cards and hidden disabilities.

Take a look at the 2026 Accessibility Action Plan and start planning an experience that works for you →