Update Summer 2012

‘Quilts in the Garden’Innes and Nicole Pearce own and operate Hawthorn Villa Stables, a small accommodation business at Carrick. Nicole organised and hosted ‘Quilts in the Garden’ on 10th November in support of The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Tasmania. This event featured work by the Devon Patchworkers and Quilters group and exhibited up to 50 quilts. Quilts were showcased hung over verandas, throughout the gardens, over trees, on a cart and on the old stable walls. Nicole’s mother, Judy Mason, a long-time quilter and member of the Devon Patchworkers and Quilters group, suggested the idea. Another group member, Beryl Cross, was also instrumental in the event, which was planned after a fellow quilter was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Nicole reported in the Examiner (14th November 2012) that “It’s been genuinely brilliant”...”It’s just been fantastic the response we’ve got from people, it’s been extremely positive and the quilts look just amazing.”Approximately 500 people attended the event and Nicole is now considering holding a similar event in the future with unique Tasmanian arts. Nicole has advised Dale Eastley, CEO of MS Tasmania, that this event raised $1,486 and that further funds raised from the raffle of a quilt will be forthcoming from the Devon Patchworkers and Quilters group. These funds will remain in Tasmania and the Society would like to extend their thanks to all involved in this event.For people travelling over the Christmas period, lying North West of Launceston in the historic village of Carrick, the Hawthorn Villa Estate has breathtaking views over the countryside and the Liffey River. Hawthorn Villa is a National Trust and National Estate Classified Property.Being only 12mins from Launceston, Hawthorn Villa Stables offers an alternative to staying directly in Launceston or for those on leisure, touring Tasmania’s North. Further information can be obtained by visiting www.hawthornvilla.com.au.

MS Update Summer 2012

Inside this issue‘Quilts in the Garden’ 1

CEO’s COLUMN 2

Support Groups Update 3

Multiple Steps Forward Update 4

Counselling Corner 6

MS Events Update 8

Fundraising Tour of Tasmania for MS Research 10

Starring Staff Member 11

MS Update Summer 2012 1


CEO’s COLUMN

The past 3 months since our Spring Update have been very busy for the team at MS Tasmania. As well as continuing to work on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Mary and the Client Services team have also delivered Financial Information Forums’ and Coordinated Wellness Activities. The Events Management team have successfully completed MS Readathon & Readalong Day, Mud Dash at Forth and the MS Melbourne Cup Luncheon & Art Exhibition at MONA.

Given that we fundraise over 70% of our required income, without community support we would be unable to continue to provide the level of service we do. We are investigating the most appropriate vehicle (either on our Website or in this Newsletter) to acknowledge Community Fundraisers in 2013. On behalf of the team at MS Tasmania, I would like to thank everyone who has undertaken community fundraising on our behalf. Thank you to all community fundraisers for your support in 2012.

I would particularly like to thank Jayne England who organised a fundraising event during Kiss Goodbye to MS; MS Tasmania Board member Sharlene Brown for the fundraising opportunity at the Sorell Creek Speedway; Ella Crocombe and the team from Australian Modified Dolls; and Nicole Pearce and the Devon Patchworkers and Quilters group for their most recent ‘Quilts in the Garden’ event. If you are interested in organising a Community Fundraising Event in support of MS Tasmania, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or 03 6220 1111.

Our last edition was produced in the midst of MS Tasmania’s Quality Improvement Council Accreditation process and assessment. I am very pleased to announce that MS Tasmania has successfully passed accreditation. This is a huge achievement and will be invaluable as the NDIS is implemented.

Multiple Steps Forward (MSF) was formed in late 2005 and their main aim is to be a voice for people who have MS, their carers and their supporters. Included in this

newsletter is an update and information to promote and encourage participation in MSF. I would encourage anyone interested to contact the MSF Spokesperson, Rhoda Gill – [email protected] or phone 03 6278 7334.

As most of you will know, Lynsey Smith is now on 12 months maternity leave. Lynsey and husband Geoff are the proud parents of Sterling Geoffrey Smith and both Mum and son are in good health.

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all of our event attendees, volunteers and sponsors; our Advocates, Andrew Potter, Jenny Wallis and Lynda Hanlon; our Patron, The Honourable Peter Underwood AO; our Ambassador, Mrs Larissa Bartlett; the MS Tasmania Board and Staff and, most particularly, Mary Langdon and Vivienne Jones for their efforts on behalf of our clients over the past calendar year.

In closing I would like to thank you for your support and would welcome your feedback and suggestions on the newsletter and our services to [email protected] or 03 6220 1111. I would like to extend to you all my personal best wishes for a happy and relaxing festive season and a positive and healthy 2013.

Dale Eastley

We would welcome your feedback and suggestions on the newsletter and our services

Support Groups Update Support Group Update North/North WestThe North West Support Group, held at Ulverstone, continues to be well supported.

We have had a variety of speakers over the past few months, including a Community OT discussing fatigue and strategies on how to manage this, a Community Speech Pathologist educating the group on swallowing and speech, and the Independent Living Centre held an equipment display and demonstration.

The Northern Support Group held at Kings Meadows has also seen some interesting speakers, including Relationships Australia who shared information about changing relationships and the services they offer, Wise Employment who discussed assistance with employment and employers, and again, Independent Living Centre did another fantastic equipment display and demonstration.

The Meander Support Group has commenced, and has been well attended. The group meets monthly for lunch at the funky 50’s Diner in Deloraine.

Thank you to all our speakers who have offered their time to come along, and thank you to all of our support group attendees, we appreciate your support of the groups and to each other.

Kirsty Schnierer - Nurse/Case Manager

Southern After Hours Support GroupsThe After Hours Group for Couples that meets every two months at the Ginger Brown Cafe in South Hobart continues to provide an important social outlet for individuals with MS and their partners to mix and chat amongst themselves. A relaxed and comfortable atmosphere and environment is always present, and combined with excellent food, the evenings appear to be enjoyed by all. The evening also presents itself as an opportunity for Client Service’s team members to answer any questions and update the group on what is happening in the Society. The After Hours Group for Partners is a small group and provides a space for partners of individuals who have MS to come and talk with each other about how MS affects them. Discussion is insightful and collaborative thus providing an opportunity for partners to share similar experiences and recognise they are not alone living with their partner’s MS. Group discussion is facilitated by our Counsellors Darren and Sharon.

Darren Radley - Counsellor

The Active Cognitive Enhancement Program “A gym for the mind”

The Southern Eastern Shore Support Group The Southern Eastern Shore Support Group was fortunate to have the opportunity to listen to Malcolm Tyler, Commonwealth Health Social Worker for the DHHS, on Friday 12th October at our very special venue, The Bellerive Yacht Club. Malcolm discussed the ACE program, (Active Cognitive Enhancement), and everyone had an opportunity to participate. We all had a taster of what the program involved.

The ACE program runs for 10 weeks. It involves mental fitness training incorporating a variety of mental exercises, puzzles, games and training in a number of memory strategies.The program also includes relaxation techniques and practical lifestyle information on how to maximise brain health.

A course will be run next year in early February at the 50 and Better Centre, 108 Bathurst Street, Hobart, by Pru Peschar a colleague of Malcolm Tyler’s. Pru can be contacted on 03 6222 7679. The sessions run for 1.5 hours and the cost is $3.00 per session. If you are interested in participating in this program or would like further information, ring Pru on the above number before the end of December.

If you Google “Brain Games BBC”, you will be able to try some free on-line brain training games.

Teresa Warren - Nurse/Case Manager



Multiple Steps Forward UpdateAs the end of the year approaches, and given that we have not been writing articles in recent times, we thought it was timely to consider our endeavours for 2012 .This year, we have been focused on working with, cooperating with and, where our interests coincide, working in parallel with the MS Society.

Issues we have broached in 2012• Empowering People with MS: A flyer promoting

and encouraging participation in MSF has been developed and distributed state-wide through the MS Society. Although there has been little response so far, we are still approached by people wanting us to act on their behalf. As strength in numbers always helps a cause be heard, we actively encourage you to voice your interests, concerns and ideas. We meet face-to-face on the first Friday of every month at the Society’s offices in Sandy Bay. To become involved in person, by email or by raising an issue of concern, please contact Rhoda Gill - [email protected] or phone 03 6278 7334.

• Established close communication with Dale Eastley, the CEO. This has ensured that we are aware of the national scene as well as the direction of the MS Society.

• Community Access: Working with the MS Society, a list of contact people for each local council was placed on the MS (TAS) website. As maintaining up to date Council contacts is onerous and quickly outdated, it was agreed that key contacts within the various councils will be identified as the first port of call. Once updated, this list will be placed into an easily accessible location on the MS TAS website.

• Community Access Issues: Many issues, such as uneven pathways or heavy doors, have been raised and various strategies to have them addressed have been considered. Lynda Hanlon, as disability representative on the Hobart City Council, has been very active in pursuing these issues and reporting back to us the successes. It is a continuing issue which will achieve small wins through continual vigilance and action. Lynda’s success with the Hobart City Council has inspired us to try to replicate it with the other councils in the Hobart region. With the aid of the MS Society, we are seeking representation on the Community Access Committees of Glenorchy, Clarence and Kingborough Councils. We would hope it could and would be replicated in the North and North West and further extended in the South. Anyone interested in pursuing this should contact Rhoda at [email protected] or ph. 03 6278 7334.

• Universal Disability Insurance: We continue

to monitor progress in the press and are very heartened by the progress. We are also appreciative of the work of the MS Society and Mary Langdon in particular in ensuring it is kept on the local and national radar.

• Research Updates: This issue involves ongoing communication with the MS Society and the Menzies Centre and, although we had wished to develop effective strategies to communicate relevant and targeted information this year, we have not taken a proactive role. Because of the internet and the amount of information available, which has now been verified, we feel it is very important that the MS Society continues to act as a conduit for verifiable and supported research. Their very effective cooperation with the Menzies Centre is heartening. The MS community needs to continually hear so that we understand the work being done at both levels.

• Independent Living: This has been our major focus this year. At the end of the 2010-2011 financial year the MS Society incorporated into their Business Plan for the year 2011-2012 the production of this booklet. We are proud of our efforts in conjunction with Client Services to develop a document which helps give people the power of self-determination. We were also happy to see it formally launched by Senator Bilyk and heartened by the fact that she took on board its relevance for the wider community.

• Driving with a Disability: The availability of driving with a disability information in Tasmania was part of our research in making the booklet on Independent Living. Despite repeated efforts on your behalf, Tasmania’s Department of Transport is not providing information specific to disability. We decided that we would approach NMAT to work with us on this issue and an approach has been made. With the focus being on NDIS this item has been on the backburner. We will continue our pursuit of this matter in 2013. We feel it is essential that we know our legal responsibilities plus what help is available to keep us mobile. In the interim there is an excellent booklet available on The Older Driver.

• As required in our Memorandum of Understanding, we reported to the Board of the MS Society, attended a Board meeting and were impressed by the dedication of the Board Members to the business of MS, and to receive their support in achieving outcomes for MSF.

We wish all a very Merry Christmas, a safe and healthy New Year and hope to see you in February 2013.

Multiple Steps Forward –

who are we?

Multiple Steps Forward (MSF) is a representative group of people living with

MS, or carers of people with MS who work in a voluntary capacity, dedicated to

advancing the wellbeing of Tasmanians with MS.

MSF has worked on issues such as planning for future needs e.g. respite care

and community access, and has been committed to producing the booklet

Independent Living. MSF also provides information to the Board of the MS

Society of Tasmania, and prepares an Annual Report for the Board.

We are currently seeking other interested individuals who would like to be part of

MSF.

• Do you want information?

• Do you have something to say?

• Do you have an idea that you want to share?

If you do, then MSF is for you.

Join by email or come along to our meetings on the first Friday of every month

at the MS Society of Tasmania in Sandy Bay. For those in the North and North-

West, we also meet once a year in Campbell Town. Come along and share all

your concerns, hopes and ideas. Join old and new friends for lunch.

Mail: MSF c/- MS Society of Tasmania 15 Princes St Sandy Bay TAS 7005

MSF Spokesperson Rhoda Gill Email: [email protected] Phone: 03 6278 7334 Mobile: 0414 402 091

http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/mstas_christmasappeal2012

Contact Multiple Steps Forward



Counselling Corner Why counselling?Counselling means many things to many people. One person may wonder if counselling can help at all as it seems that nothing can be changed, and another might feel it is the key to solving every problem.

Counselling is more than just listening and giving advice. It is a form of supporting an individual to deal with issues and problems relating to living with MS that is often absent from conversations with family, friends and some healthcare professionals. It is about providing support and helping people change, and can also be about working together to find practical solutions and work towards future goals.

“Counselling helps me vent my frustrations, anxieties, grief and goals to an unbiased ear. This is the counsellor’s job, whereas my loved ones sometimes need a break from my MS. Being unbiased, the counsellor can also give practical advice if needed, and will help me make objective plans and figure out new strategies without getting caught up in my emotions” (anon)

Counselling can provide a safe place where thoughts can be sorted, emotions can be expressed and where there is help to deal with the emotional turmoil that Multiple Sclerosis can bring. It offers a way of sorting through the confusing and conflicting feelings that come about when the known ‘well’ self disappears and unfamiliar circumstances and experiences arise.

Grief can be a normal response to the losses and changes experienced as a result of living with MS. This is not only experienced by the person living with MS, but partners and family members as well. Counselling can offer a chance to express grief, to sort through unresolved loss, to endeavour to let some things go, and to disentangle what remains and can be kept. The presence of an understanding person who can focus on the losses without being personally involved can make an enormous difference to how these losses and difficult emotions are handled.

Counselling does not solve everything. It will not make MS go away - but it may change the way you experience it. As one client said:

“It took me a while to grieve the loss of my career. I think I’m finally doing OK with this. My life is into some sort of routine now, which leaves room and energy for new possibilities, so who knows what will happen! My MS has moved from centre stage to somewhere off left”.

Counsellors knowledgeable in MS can also have a role in working with the whole family. Couple and family counselling can help in many ways, supporting good, clear communication and, according to one client, “teaching my family to support what I can do, NOT what I can’t!”.

Our counselling team is available in Hobart. Hobart: phone 6220 1111 • Sharon: [email protected] (Monday and Tuesday) • Darren: [email protected] (Thursday and Friday)

It is with regret Nick Norman, Counsellor/Team Leader of the Launceston office ceased employment with us on the 3rd December . We thank him for the great support that he has offered many Tasmanians living with MS and wish Nick all the very best in his future endeavours.

Southern Men’s groupThe Southern Tasmanian Men Living with MS group continues to grow in solidarity and mateship. There is an average attendance of seven each month, which clearly highlights that there is a need in the society for men to meet and chat amongst each other about the physical, emotional, psychological, and social issues affecting them on an almost daily basis. One particular comment after a group meeting sums this up, “Today was a great day for me, I got to chat with other guys going through the same issues and what they are doing to manage their MS”. Next year the group is planning to expand its lunch locations to new and wider spaces, such as the Rivulet Cafe in South Hobart, and more guest presenters, such as a Q&A with MS society nurses, and discussions on financial matters with a representative from the Centrelink Financial Advisory Service.

Darren Radley – Counsellor

Case Management What is case management?Case Management is a client focused process that supports clients to reach their optimal level of health and well being. It is a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation and advocacy options and services to meet an individual’s health needs.

The plan is developed with the client and reflects their choices and preferences for the service arrangements being developed.

Can we assist you?The Multiple Sclerosis Society provides a case management service which provides support to our clients. These services can be very helpful if you are experiencing changes in your condition and require external support to meet your daily needs. The goal is for you, as the client to self manage your health and well-being needs and ensure you are involved in all aspects of the planning and service arrangement.

Case management involves MS staff working with you and possibly your family or carer/s, GP and neurologist and other service providers to develop and facilitate a plan of care to meet your individual needs, choices and circumstances.

MS Clinic Last clinic for 2012 17 December

First Clinic for 2013 Monday 7 January

What can we do? Case management often involves:

• Ongoing contact with you, or a carer/family as required

• Assessing your needs

• Exploring options with you

• Care planning with medical staff

• Referring to other services as required

• Providing information on MS and other service needs such as employment, education, respite, financial planning and support groups etc

• Advocacy to ensure your rights are met

• Liaising with service providers

• Monitoring and evaluating the plan of care to ensure it meets your identified needs and wishes.

The MS Society provides this service in accordance with the National Standards of Practice for Case Management 2008. Our Case Managers are well trained, professional and seek to provide the best possible outcomes.

Please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Client Services team on 6220 1111 to discuss your needs if you require assistance in regards to managing your MS and its impact on your daily life.

Merlene Walker - Case Manager.



MS Events UpdateFinancial Information ForumsFrom client feedback received via our “Raise Your Voice - We’re Listening” survey, financial matters were an issue that many clients wished to be more informed about. From this feedback, we ran three Financial Information forums, one in each region of the State: Hobart, Ulverstone and Launceston.

At all three forums we had guest presenters from Centrelink and CRS Australia. Client comment received from these forums indicated that they were worthwhile and informative. The majority of this feedback also reported that the sessions were rated as very good to excellent, and that they would recommend the forums to other people.

Wellness Activities: Tai Chi and Heart MovesAt our Wellness Forums held earlier in the year, we had ‘tasters’ of Tai Chi, Heartmoves, Yoga and Belly Dancing. Clients provided feedback from these forums and indicated that they would like further opportunity to experience Tai Chi and Heartmoves sessions. In response to this, focused Tai Chi and Heartmoves sessions were recently held around the State. While the classes were not well attended, for those who did participate, it was reported that they found the sessions highly beneficial for their health and well-being.

MS Readathon 2012Results:MS Readathon 2012; 329 registered participants from 102 schools in Tasmania- what an effort! With the fundraising total of $19,000 MS Readathon 2012 was a huge success.

Congratulations to all participants, parents, teachers and families for encouraging your children in MS Readathon. This is a worthy cause: a great initiative to help raise funds for people in Tasmania living with MS.

A huge effort, well done and hope to see you register next year!

Highest FundraiserCongratulations to Hannah Sutton, Tasmania’s highest fundraiser for MS Readathon 2012! Hannah raised a massive $1455.20! Hannah carried out many initiatives towards achieving her fundraising total, and not without the support of many family and friends that encouraged her along the way. Hannah is an inspirational person, given her ambition was to be awarded the Highest Fundraiser Award, not only to raise money for MS, but also to present the iPad to a special friend that requires one- a true act of

friendship and kindness... Well done Hannah!

Highest Fundraising SchoolCongratulations to Princes Street Primary School for achieving the Highest Fundraising school title for MS Readathon 2012. Princes Street Primary School raised a combined total of $3398.05 and they had 38 students registered all contributing to this figure. Well done Princes Street Primary School!

Highest Registered Competitors SchoolSpreyton Primary School received the highest amount of registered students for the 2012 MS Readathon with a whopping 50 students registered! Well done to each and every school participating in this years Readathon!

Top Fundraising School

Apple Ipad winners – Well doneCongratulations to Princes Street Primary School who were the lucky winners of the 10 Apple iPad draw! Each school in the running had to of had over 10% of total enrolled students registered and each with a minimum of $10 fundraising total. Well done. MS Society of Tasmania hopes that these iPads can contribute to the learning and success for each student that has opportunity to use them.

Hannah $1,455.20Kara $1,299.90Joanna $1,090.00Tahni $801.30Alexandria $749.00Natasha $312.50Cameron $288.70Isaac $346.00Elizabeth $232.00Mikayla $224.00

$3,398.05 Princes Street Primary

$2,101.20 Westbury Primary $2,037.20 St Marys College $1,735.45 Spreyton Primary $1,353.00 Emmanuel Christian $1,275.00 Evandale $1,252.40 New Norfolk Primary

$750.00 Moriarty Primary $738.85 Sacred Heart Primary $617.90 Channel Christian $523.00 Swansea Primary

MS Update Spring 2012

Readalong Day 2012In its first year, MS Readalong Day was a success! Implemented to provide opportunity to those schools, children and children at heart the ability to participate in Readathon but at a low commitment capacity. With 8 schools registered to celebrate MS Readalong Day and many children celebrating the day as part of their book week, this was a definite hit with many and we hope to bring it back in 2013!

Kate Coad

Melbourne Cup 2012 This years MS Society of Tasmania’s Melbourne Cup Luncheon & Art Exhibition sold out for the first time! It was a fun filled day full of horse racing activities for our 220 guests. It was a day of style with beautiful outfits and stunning fascinators, however it wasn’t just a day for the ladies. Our male guests were impressive in their smart suits and polished shoes.

This year’s event was brilliantly hosted by Steve Liebmann, and was once again held at the world renowned ‘MONA’ site. Our guests enjoyed a delicious 3 course meal which was accompanied by a selection of superb local Tasmanian beer and wine. Some guests chose to arrive in style on the MONA Ferry, and what a stunning day for a ferry ride! Guests were greeted on arrival with champagne which set the scene for the following four hours.

As well as supporting our fundraising sweepstakes, raffles and silent art auctions, our guests happily participated in our ‘fashions at MONA’ competitions which were: best dressed male and female; ‘fashions on the field’; best dressed table; best bag and shoes and best hat. Various spot prizes for guest attendance were given during the day. I did notice that the biggest smiles seemed to be on the faces of the winners of the ‘best dressed table’ ladies when they received their Cadbury’s chocolate package.

The on-site TOTE operator was kept busy as the day progressed with many happy punters. This year’s live artist, local Tasmanian renowned artist, Leanne Halls, did an outstanding job of painting while the event progressed. Steve auctioned Leanne’s artwork at the end of the day and we raised $600.00. Our grateful thanks must go to Leanne for her very generous donation.

I would like to thank Steve Liebmann, all sponsors, artists, attendees, table organisers, MONA staff, MS staff and family members for their support and contributions, without which the day would not have been a success.

The sponsors of the 2012 MS Melbourne Cup Luncheon & Art Exhibition were: • Amanda Ashley-Jones

• Anvers Confectionary

• Beauty and the Bees

• Brighton Self Storage and Diamond Waste

• Bruny Island & Tasman Island Cruises

• Cadburys

• Cargo Bar Pizza Lounge

• Clean Conscience

• Escape Beauty Lounge

• Hobart Imaging

• MONA

• Papillon

• Routleys

• Some Hallucination HAIR

• RACT Travelworld

• Renata Boutique

• State Cinema

• Stoney Vineyard

• Tadpac Print

• Tasmanian Gourmet Gifts

• Tassal - The Salmon Shop

• The Hobart Stocking Shop

• Wastewater Treatment Systems Tasmania

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ReadalongDAYReadalongDAY


MS Mud Dash – Forth 2012Get down and dirty!

Well we did just that...

MS Mud Dash 2012 was held on October 6th at Fulton Park, Forth. What a day!

A staggering crowd turned up with over 200 participants and from what we could tell spectator numbers were matched with this, giving us approximately 350-400 people in attendance....wow!

Mud; there was plenty of that, Tas Fire Service kindly lent us their shower block with HOT water, much appreciated after the vigorous run through the course.

A huge effort in fundraising this year with $10,850 raised to help support Tasmanian’s living with MS. Congratulations to “Full of Heart” as Highest Fundraising Team raising $1,070.00 and to Kate Flinders for raising $850.00 making her the Highest Fundraising Individual.

This year we decided to approach businesses for sponsorship and deals, and this was significantly successful attracting over $10,000 value in corporate sponsorship. This saw expenses decrease enabling us to provide more to our participants.

Sponsors and supporters of MS Mud Dash 2012 were: TDT 10, TAS Broadcasting, Dale Elphinstone, Coles Supermarkets, Blundstone Pty Ltd, Cadburys, Coca-Cola, Scouts, The Advocate, Lions, LEOs, and Tasmanian Fire Service.

We thank everyone involved in making MS Mud Dash 2012 a huge success, particularly to the Mersey Valley Scout Group for providing our venue, Forth Volunteer Fire Brigade and Lions Club of Ulverstone, including the LEOs North West Club. MS Mud Dash 2012, bring on 2013!

Kate Coad

Fundraising Tour of Tasmania for MS ResearchGilli Barnard is setting off on a clockwise trip around Tasmania called ‘Fundraising Tour of Tasmania for MS Research’. Gilli has submitted this article to raise awareness of her efforts.

So I am Gilli a MS client and F5m fundraiser for a number of years. On January 14th 2013 a friend and I will be setting off on a clockwise trip round the State called Fundraising Tour of Tasmania for MS Research.

I am not sure how long the trip will take but I guess it doesn’t matter too much. My friend is coming from Sydney to help me. We will be spending a few days in each location on the west coast and across the top of the state then as we get east we can move a little faster.

I have been busy sending out PINK PIG donation boxes which we will then collect as we pass through

the locations where they are situated. We have been invited to spend Australia Day at Smithton. People will be able to follow me on Facebook Gilli Barnard I am also hoping to have a BLOG so if people want to follow me please let me know via FaceBook or [email protected].

We will have 4 cameras between us so hopefully there should be 1 or 2 photos to look at! If you have or know of visitors who will be on the road in Tasmania after Jan 14 tell them to look out for us, maybe say hi. My van has plenty of Kiss Goodbye to MS advertising all over it as does my mobility scooter and our T-shirts

Thanks for your support, Gilli.

STARRING STAFF MEMbER

Introducing Merlene Walker – aka MIM

Merlene commenced as a Case Manager with the Society at the end October this year to cover Lynsey’s maternity leave.

Merlene was born in Smithton Tasmania (she will tell you it was a very long time ago) but grew up in the Derwent Valley. She has three adult children and seven beautiful grandchildren.

After working for eighteen years at the RHH, Merlene left nursing to pursue further education at TAFE. On completion of a Diploma of Social Science (Welfare) she commenced work for Housing Tasmania.

During her time at Housing Tasmania, Merlene worked with complex needs clients via case coordination to address their needs and achieve positive outcomes which assisted them to obtain and maintain stable accommodation. When Merlene left Housing Tasmania, she was the Manager of Access and Support (South West).

Merlene enjoys travelling and has spent time in Europe, the South Pacific and New Zealand. Her most memorable holiday was travelling with friends to the Birdville Races and then crossing the Simpson Desert.

Just prior to commencing work with MS Merlene visited the Kimberley area in West Australia, Darwin, Kakadu and Lichfield National Parks in the Northern Territory.

Merlene’s interests – spending time with my family, travelling & gardening.

Favourite food – seafood

Favourite music – depends on the mood (soft ballads to rocking the roof)

Favourite movie – Thelma and Louise

We warmly welcome Merlene to the MS team.


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Follow us onlineFACEBOOK Search for The MS Society of Tasmania to find our page

YouTube www.youtube.com/mstasmania1

Head OfficeHobart 15 Princes Street Sandy Bay TAS 7005 Tel: 03 6220 1111

Northern Regional Office 18/2 Innocent Street Kings Meadows TAS 7250 Tel: 03 6343 1240

Freecall Statewide 1800 676 721

www.mstas.org.au

Main North & North-West Support Groups Enquiries: 6343 1240Launceston Support Group Meets the 2nd Thursday each month at the Branch Community Centre next door to the MS Society Office (opposite the bowling alley). 18/2 Innocent Street, Kings Meadows Time: 11am to 1pm

Ulverstone Support Group Meets the 4th Wednesday each month at the Ulverstone Surf Life Saving Club, Beach Road, Ulverstone (Lift access is available) Time: 11am to 2pm

Circular Head Support Group Meets the 1st Monday of each month at Circular Head Rural Health Services Inc 68 Emmett Street, Smithton Time: 7.30pm Contact Jenny on 6452 1594

Southern Support Groups Enquiries: 6220 1111Eastern Shore Support Group Meets the 2nd Friday each month at Bellerive Yacht Club (entrance to function room off lower car park). Time: 10.30 am to 12 noon

Glenorchy Support Group Meets the last Friday bi-monthly at Glenorchy Community Health Centre, Meeting Room 3 – 1st Floor, Terry Street, Glenorchy. Time: 10.30am – 12 noon

Note: Some days might change due to public holidays (please check your calendar).

Documents

Update Summer 2012