MSWA remains alert but not alarmed as we monitor the COVID-19 situation.
This article provides a current update and a useful link for more information.
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15 March 2021
International Brain Awareness Week – MSWA’s research commitment
Today marks the start of Brain Awareness Week, a global campaign to spark interest, awareness and support for brain science.
As the leading organisation supporting Western Australians living with a neurological condition, MSWA is proud of a record contribution of $4m to neurological research this financial year making us Western Australia’s leading contributor to neurological research.
15 March 2021
TGA approves a new medication for MS: ofatumumab
Ofatumumab (Kesimpta®) approved by The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia as a new treatment for relapsing forms of MS.
08 March 2021
MSWA is WA’s leading contributor to neurological research
MSWA is proud to be Western Australia’s leading contributor to neurological research. This year, we are delighted to announce a new record contribution of $4m.
02 March 2021
Ozanimod approved for PBS listing for relapsing remitting MS
Ozanimod (Zeposia®) listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for the treatment of relapsing remitting MS (RRMS).
19 February 2021
MSWA builds new multipurpose facility in Albany
MSWA has begun construction of a new multipurpose $7m facility for people living with a neurological condition in Albany.
05 February 2021
COVID-19 vaccination guidance for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Professor Bill Carroll AM has provided advice regarding guidance for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the COVID-19 vaccination.
27 January 2021
Australian research projects progress with new funding
Australian MS research projects progress with new funding, thanks to our support of MSRA.
18 December 2020
MSWA’s commitment to research
Did you know we are Western Australia’s leading contributor to neurological research?
19 November 2020
Ros Harman has been named MSWA’s President of the Board, following George Pampacos’ recent resignation from the position.
09 November 2020
MSWA Board Member nominated for WA Australian of the Year
MSWA Board Member Professor William Carroll AM has been nominated for the 2021 WA Australian of the Year.
29 October 2020
Demystifying demyelinating diseases
MSWA is proud to continue funding the Perron Institute’s Demyelinating Diseases Research group and they have been active across many areas in 2020, with members working both independently and collaboratively towards shared targets.
29 October 2020
Toxicity study for neuroprotective stroke treatment
MSWA is proud to have contributed funding towards collecting data for a potential neuroprotective drug for stroke and other conditions.
26 October 2020
Australian Government approves PBS listing of Siponimod (Mayzent®) for secondary progressive MS
The Hon Greg Hunt MP has announced the listing of siponimod (Mayzent) for the treatment of SPMS on the PBS.
21 October 2020
Fighting the effects of Parkinson’s disease
Boxing workouts are becoming increasingly popular to help people living with Parkinson’s disease manage their symptoms.
24 September 2020
Safer, more comfortable Customer transfers thanks to new equipment
Funds raised from last year’s MSWA Ocean Ride – Powered by RetraVision have been used to purchase approximately $50k worth of equipment to support Western Australians living with a neurological condition.
11 September 2020
Western Australian research to help with the damage in the early phases of stroke
MSWA is proud to be funding this important West Australian research that will provide the first effective treatment to minimise the damage that occurs in the early phases of stroke.
11 September 2020
MSWA Customer wins the Mega Home Lottery
MSWA recently announced the winners of the latest MSWA Mega Home Lottery’s $3.3M Grand Prize.
09 September 2020
28,261 books read in WA for MS Readathon
The MS Readathon is over for another year! The national amount raised was a record breaking $3.12 million!
26 August 2020
Generous donation makes communication possible
A number of MSWA Customers with communication difficulties will soon be able to trial a device which will assist them to communicate more effectively, thanks to a generous $20K donation from Pharmacy 777.
25 August 2020
PBAC updates regarding two existing MS treatments
The PBAC has recently made announcements regarding two MS treatments - Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus®) and Mayzent® (siponimod).
24 August 2020
$10.5m nation-wide commitment to MS research
We contributed $2.1m to MSRA to form part of their $10.5m national boost towards MS research.
24 August 2020
Five-year-old Karla is reading for mum
Throughout August, five-year-old Karla Anand is taking part in her first MS Readathon, reading as many books as she can to raise money for Western Australians living with neurological conditions – people like her mum, Maddy.
04 August 2020
Newly developed therapy could provide a bright light for Western Australians suffering with poor sleep and fatigue
An MSWA funded research project will trial specially made glasses to see the effects of light therapy on fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness.
03 August 2020
MSWA funded research provides insights on grief issues for MND caregivers
A national study funded by MSWA via Motor Neurone Disease Research Australia has confirmed the increased risk of prolonged grief, anxiety and depression for caregivers who have lost a loved one to motor neurone disease.
03 August 2020
New MSWA High Support Accommodation Facility in Shenton Park
MSWA to build a new 20-unit High Support Accommodation Facility in Montario Quarter (Shenton Park).
19 June 2020
Recruitment well underway for TONiC study
The Perron Institute is continuing its recruitment of people with motor neurone disease (MND) for the pilot TONiC study, a project proudly supported by MSWA.
17 June 2020
Fundraiser in focus
Jennifer Egerton-Warburton was diagnosed with MS in 1998. Her condition is well-managed and she requires low support from MSWA, but in 2018 decided to raise money to support MSWA’s vital research and direct care of others living with neurological conditions in Western Australia.
25 May 2020
Window into blood cells may provide a view as to how MS progresses
A current study into white blood cells known as ‘B Lymphocytes’ is giving Professor Prue Hart and her team of researchers at the Telethon Kids Institute more clues into how MS progresses, in a project funded by MSWA.
06 May 2020
MSWA introduces Telehealth
Telehealth is a great alternative to regular face-to-face sessions/consultations between our Customers and health professionals, introduced as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.
27 March 2020
COVID-19: Advice for people living with MS
Advice for people living with MS – COVID-19. This advice comes from expert MS researchers, academic researchers and clinical neurologists.
24 March 2020
MSWA CEO update – Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Hear an update from MSWA CEO Marcus Stafford AM regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19).
19 March 2020
Brain plasticity research in focus for International Brain Awareness Week
An update from MSWA funded Senior Research Fellow Associate Professor Jenny Rodger about her research for International Brain Awareness Week.
17 March 2020
Step Up for MSWA: postponed until further notice
Our number one priority here at MSWA HQ is the health and safety of our community - our staff, our volunteers and our loyal Step Up for MSWA supporters. As such, following on from our previous postponement announcement, we have now made the extremely difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Step Up for MSWA.
27 February 2020
Neuroprotective treatment for stroke patients proving promising
MSWA is proud to once again contribute funding to the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science in 2020. $85 000 has been provided by MSWA to the Institute to support their studies into a potential neuroprotective treatment for people following a stroke.
26 February 2020
Proud supporters of music & wellbeing with WASO
MSWA is proud to continue working with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) as the inaugural ‘Supporting Music and Wellbeing’ Partner this year.
13 February 2020
Is there a link between ultra-processed foods and MS?
MSWA is proud to support a new investigation into the possible link between ultra-processed foods and the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS).
07 February 2020
New research to uncover links between MS, red meat and omega 3s
MSWA has allocated further funding to an important Curtin University study investigating links between MS and diet, with a new focus on how red meat and omega-3 fatty acids impact early progression of the disease.
20 December 2019
Microscope on microbiome research
They say the gut is the second brain, but is gut bacteria disrupting the balance between the gastrointestinal system and the brain for those living with Parkinson’s disease (PD)?
18 December 2019
WASO musicians relax at MSWA’s SensAtion Gallery
WASO musicians recently came down to MSWA’s SensAtion Gallery to experience our multi-sensory exhibition for themselves.
12 December 2019
Translating research into practice
MSWA adds Edith Cowan University to its list of local research partnerships continuing our focus on funding unique, outcomes-driven research projects locally, nationally and globally.
10 December 2019
Associate Professor Jenny Rodger talks about The SensAtion Gallery
All roads lead to the brain.
Hear Associate Professor Jenny Rodger speak about the importance of the brain for processing our senses and for everyday life at MSWA's latest event: The SensAtion Gallery.
27 November 2019
New research set to improve outcomes for people living with Alzheimer’s disease
MSWA is delighted to announce the funding of a new pilot clinical trial of a drug that aims to prevent further memory loss in people living with Alzheimer’s disease.
26 November 2019
SensAtional new MSWA event
MSWA has opened the doors to a new event, The SensAtion Gallery, an interactive multi-sensory art gallery which is currently being held at the Queens Riverside Precinct.
14 November 2019
First ever secondary progressive MS treatment approved in Australia
11 November 2019
MSWA welcomes Jemma Barsby to Perth
Jemma Barsby, a young Australian cricketer diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, shares her personal story.
29 October 2019
Australian Government approves amended PBS listing of two MS medications for children with RRMS
Two MS medications for children with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) will be amended on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), from 1 November 2019.
10 October 2019
MSWA arrives in Butler
01 October 2019
MSWA supports Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
Recent inquiries and reports have shown that people with disability are more likely to experience violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation than people without disability.
20 September 2019
School in regional WA top fundraisers for MS Readathon
This year was another stellar year for the MS Readathon, with Dampier Primary School coming out on top as the biggest fundraiser in WA.
17 September 2019
MSWA supports WA’s stroke community
Fundraisers who chose to support our Stroke community at our last Ocean Ride and Step up events, have raised money that has gone towards purchasing equipment for the State Neuro Rehab Ward at Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH).
21 August 2019
SBS Insight Program on living with MS
Last night’s SBS Insight episode on people with MS covered many topics and shared perspectives from people with MS, and their carers, as well as neurologists and researchers.
19 August 2019
Meeting the needs of people living with MS, their families and Carers
MS Australia has released findings of a national research study: Living with Multiple Sclerosis in 2019.
16 August 2019
MSWA supports Huntington’s community
Thanks to the support of our fundraisers who participated in MSWA Ocean Ride and Step Up for MSWA last year, MSWA has been able to purchase several pieces of new equipment for the Neurosciences Unit (NSU) at Graylands Hospital.
22 July 2019
Living proof that music has sound healing properties
Professional Musician Brett Johns, who has been living with MS for nearly two decades, believes music gives him the strength to cope.
12 July 2019
MSWA invests in equipment for Parkinson’s community
Funds raised by participants in the 2018 MSWA Ocean Ride have purchased over $17,000 worth of vital equipment for the Parkinson’s service at Fremantle Hospital.
28 June 2019
MSWA to invest a record $3.5m into research
MSWA will set a new benchmark this year with a record $3.5 million going towards scientific research.
21 June 2019
MSWA funds motor neurone disease (MND) research
MSWA funded researcher Dr Sarah Rea is working towards a strategy for sporadic cases of MND, a life-limiting neurological condition with no known treatment or cure.
21 June 2019
Advocating for a palliative approach to care for MND family carers before and after bereavement
MSWA is proud to fund Professor Samar Aoun’s latest neurological research into the current support systems available for those who have lost a loved one to Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
19 June 2019
MSWA invests in vital equipment for motor neurone disease (MND) community
Funds raised by participants in last year’s MSWA Ocean Ride have gone towards purchasing vital equipment to support people living with motor neurone disease (MND).
13 June 2019
MSWA Board member honoured with Order of Australia
MSWA Board Member Professor Bill Carroll was this week announced as a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to neurological medicine, and to people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as part of the 2019 Queen’s birthday honours.
04 June 2019
PBS approved generic options now available for some MS treatments
From 1 June 2019, generic medications may become available for the current MS disease modifying therapies prescribed in Australia.
31 May 2019
MSWA funded researcher finds link between red meat and reduced risk of MS
27 May 2019
MSWA gives a voice to Western Australians living with multiple sclerosis
To acknowledge World MS Day, MSWA will host its annual ‘Hip Hop Yoga’ event – a yoga class for music lovers hosted by the ‘Queen of Hip Hop Yoga’, Kaye Waterhouse of Vital Beat Yoga, on the courtyard of RAC Arena.
10 May 2019
The nightingales of MSWA’s nursing generation
International Nurses Day, Sunday May 12, is an opportunity to celebrate the fantastic work our MSWA nurses do for people living with all neurological conditions.
02 May 2019
New drug approved to treat children with MS
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved Gilenya (fingolimod) for the treatment of children and adolescents 10-17 years old with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
01 May 2019
MSWA partners with the West Coast Eagles
We’re excited to be partnering with West Coast Eagles to support the WA community. Read about the important work that we do and get a chance to be an Eagle for a day!
15 April 2019
European Medicines Agency (EMA) - Review underway for MS Drug Lemtrada®
Following a warning late last year, European neurologists have been cautioned on the use of the MS treatment Lemtrada; while the EMA undertakes their review of side effects in some European patients.
08 April 2019
MSWA uniting the community to support people living with Parkinson’s Disease
MSWA is proud to continue its commitment to raising awareness of Parkinson’s.
Read how MSWA is supporting Western Australians who have been touched by the condition.
13 March 2019
MSWA & WASO connecting young West Australians to healthy brain stimulation
Young people in Western Australia will have greater access to the proven benefits of classical music, thanks to our partnership with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO).
11 March 2019
MSWA Funded Brain Plasticity Research Offers Hope for Neurological Conditions
Using brain plasticity to repair a damaged brain is the underlying goal of research undertaken by Perron Institute researcher Associate Professor Jenny Rodger.
13 February 2019
Scientists seek evidence about diet and progression of MS
Can diet affect multiple sclerosis? Dr Lucinda Black, MSWA funded researcher shares her latest research into patterns between the intake of specific foods and nutrients, and whether they contribute to the risk of MS.
07 February 2019
WASO announces unique partnership with MSWA
MSWA is thrilled to announce our involvement with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra for their 2019 season. This partnership recognises a shared commitment to enriching the lives of young people and families through music.
17 January 2019
New home soon for Kate in Butler
In 2005, Kate Gild was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) when she was 33-years-old. She was living in London at the time and home in Perth on holiday visiting family, when she started experiencing nerve pain in her wrist. Kate thought it was Carpal tunnel, but an MRI revealed it was MS.
23 December 2018
MAVENCLAD® (cladribine tablets) for RRMS Australian Government approves PBS listing
14 December 2018
Australian AHSCT Trial Results Released
Results into an Australian study of the treatment autologous haematopoietic stem cell therapy (AHSCT) were released earlier this week.
06 December 2018
New premises in Belmont for MSWA in 2019
06 December 2018
MSWA provides grant of $200,000 for research into motor neurone disease
A $200,000 grant from MSWA will support research into proteins linked to the progression of motor neurone disease (MND) as well as a ground-breaking national study into the needs of carers and families of people experiencing end-of-life care and bereavement.
03 December 2018
Taking a chance with Huntington’s Disease
Foresight is a gift worth treasuring because it allows one to know what the future might hold. Andrew Francis often circles this concept when thinking about how different his life could be. From a young age, he knew about a hereditary gene that might, or might not affect his life, and future generations. It wasn’t until 2002 that Andrew got his answer.
30 November 2018
Important message about MS medication Lemtrada®
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about the MS medication Lemtrada® (alemtuzumab).
13 November 2018
Dynamic duo to tackle MSWA Ocean Ride
Jessica Allen, an Australian professional cyclist, spends half of the year living in Italy, racing in the Union Cycliste Internationale World Tour across Europe, and the other half competing in Australia. She knows all about what it takes to be a successful cyclist and hopes to win gold for Australia at the next Olympic Games. However, amongst her busy schedule, Jessica always finds time to ride in the annual MSWA Ocean Ride - Powered by Retravision.
29 October 2018
MSWA supporting stroke survivors
Lisa MacLennan was 41 and in the prime of her life. She was married with two young children, working in the disability sector, and two units away from completing a Bachelor of Social Work, when she was struck down by a severe stroke in 2012.
24 October 2018
Tours and a ‘cuppa’ on offer at MSWA Bunbury
17 October 2018
Open Day to help people with their NDIS plan
Winner, winner, chicken dinner was Nicolette Murphy’s initial response after recently attending an NDIS information session organised by MSWA at the Clarkson Library. The 48-year old who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2010 said the session with MSWA’s NDIS experts was more than she’d expected.
08 October 2018
NDIS Help is at hand at Wilson Open Day
As the National Disability Scheme (NDIS) continues to roll-out across Perth and the South West, MSWA is holding an open day at its centre in Wilson to help people with their NDIS plans and showcase its latest renovations and upgrades.
20 August 2018
Decision to recommend MAVENCLAD®
MAVENCLAD® (cladribine tablets) has been recommended for listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for relapsing remitting MS (RRMS), by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), subject to final approval by the Federal Health Minister.
14 August 2018
Local Biomarker research a key part of MSWA's record $3 million investment
For the thousands of Western Australians living with multiple sclerosis (MS) new treatments offer hope and relief. But for clinicians it’s often challenging to know if a particular treatment is working.
30 May 2018
World MS Day, bringing us closer
Fatigue and blurred vision were the first signs for Chloe Baker that something wasn’t right. In 2017, the 31-year-old moved home from New Zealand to be with her family and focus on her health. An eye test led to an MRI, and then a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
23 April 2018
Subsequent decision not to recommend MAVENCLAD®
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) have announced they have not recommended the listing of MAVENCLAD® (cladribine tablets) for relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
11 April 2018
MSWA supporting people living with Parkinson’s
For two years Kent Piercy developed an increasing stiffness and slowness in both arms and a reduced swing in his right arm. Naturally concerned about these changes, Kent saw a neurologist early last year, and at the age of 74 was diagnosed with tremor-dominant idiopathic Parkinson’s.
14 March 2018
New UV research gives hope to people with MS
Fatigue and blurred vision were the first signs for Chloe Baker that something wasn’t right. The 31-year-old moved home from New Zealand to be with her family and focus on her health. An eye test led to an MRI, and then a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
12 March 2018
$1 million research funding into brain plasticity
How the brain works has intrigued Associate Professor Jenny Rodger for almost 30 years, with a lot of her work focusing on brain plasticity – the ability of the brain to change throughout someone’s life by rewiring or modifying neural connections.
07 March 2018
Voluntary Worldwide Withdrawal for ZINBRYTA ®
Pharmaceutical companies Biogen and AbbVie has announced the voluntary worldwide withdrawal for ZINBRYTA ® (daclizumab) for Relapsing multiple sclerosis.
01 February 2018
Ocrevus ™ (ocrelizumab) listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
Ocrevus ™ is used in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and this morning, the Federal Government announced the listing of the drug on the PBS.
26 January 2018
Golden Girl honoured with Order of Australia
Legendary Australian track and field Olympian Betty Cuthbert, AM, MBE has been posthumously honoured with a Companion AC in the General Division of the Order of Australia for eminent service to athletics at the national and international level, particularly as a gold medallist at the Melbourne and Tokyo Olympic Games, and as a role model, fundraiser, and advocate for research into finding a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS).
18 December 2017
WA researcher finds UV delays onset of MS
In a world-first, a Perth Professor has delayed the development of MS in high-risk individuals using narrowband UVB treatment, something used to treat the skin condition psoriasis. Trials conducted by Professor Prue Hart found that in 3 out of 10 people, with a single episode of MS who were treated with UVB, the progression of their MS was halted.
12 December 2017
WA to join the NDIS in 2018
It was announced today that Western Australia will join the federally-funded National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), replacing the WA-based scheme set up b the former Government.
14 November 2017
Governor visits MSWA Centre in Bunbury
Western Australian Governor and MSWA patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC, recently visited the organisation’s $1.5 million Community and Health Services Centre in Bunbury. The new state-of-the-art Centre is a one-stop shop for the 200 people with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions and their carers living in the region.
30 October 2017
MSWA funds stroke protection research
In 2009, Lyndee Aspey was struck down by a stroke that left her confined to a wheelchair and with slurred speech. Once living in a nursing home, surrounded by people much older than her, Lyndee is now one of 10 full-time residents at Fern River, a high-support accommodation facility managed by MSWA.
19 September 2017
MSWA invests record $2.6m into research
For the past two years Dr Marzena Fabis-Pedrini has been conducting research into multiple sclerosis at the Perron Institute, supported by funding from MSWA. Dr Fabis-Pedrini’s latest research focuses on benign MS and people who have low levels of disability as a result of their condition.
11 August 2017
New $1.5m MSWA Centre officially opens in Bunbury
Just over 18 months since the first sod was turned, MSWA’s $1.5 million Community and Health Services Centre in Bunbury was officially opened today by Disability Services Minister, Hon. Stephen Dawson, MSWA President, George Pampacos, MSWA CEO, Marcus Stafford AM and Bunbury Mayor, Gary Brennan.
07 August 2017
MSWA Pays Tribute to Golden Girl
MSWA CEO, Marcus Stafford AM has paid tribute to legendary Australian track and field Olympian Betty Cuthbert AM, MBE, who passed away at a nursing home in Mandurah. Ms Cuthbert was 79 years old and had been living with multiple sclerosis since 1969.
19 June 2017
MSWA is proud that we undertake all of our own fundraising activities.
MSWA provides a wide range of vital healthcare services and support to Western Australians living with MS and other neurological conditions. This is made possible due largely to the money raised through our own fundraising activities.
31 May 2017
MSWA an ‘angel service’
When Anita Gamba was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1989, she says virtually nothing was known about the neurological condition.
30 May 2017
MS Awareness Week - MSWA Members’ Forum 2017
Bringing people living with MS and experts face to face
24 May 2017
Blind ambition to climb Central Park
For most of us, spending a Sunday morning climbing 1,103 steps to the top of Central Park is a daunting task.
03 May 2017
Zinbryta now available on the PBS
On May 1, the Australian government announced the inclusion of Zinbryta (daclizumab) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the treatment of relapsing remitting MS.
28 April 2017
New partnership with the Perth Symphony Orchestra announced
MSWA is delighted to announce a new partnership with Perth Symphony Orchestra (PSO) for their inaugural Perth Chamber Orchestra Heritage Series.
29 March 2017
MSWA Community and Health Services Centre, Bunbury
MSWA are proud to announce that the builders of our new Community and Health Services Centre in Bunbury, Farnell Constructions, have won the 2017 Building Excellence Awards for Commercial Industrial Buildings Under $2,000,000.
14 February 2017
MSWA to build new northern suburbs facility
MSWA is excited to be developing a new Member Services facility in Perth’s Northern Suburbs in the community of Butler.
14 February 2017
MS research breakthrough
Last week marked the announcement of one of the most significant advances in understanding multiple sclerosis and we are delighted to share this news with you.
19 October 2016
MSWA to invest a record $2.2m into research
MSWA has cemented its place as Australia’s largest investor into finding the cause and cure for multiple sclerosis. This year the organisation has committed a record $2.2 million to fund local and international research.
09 September 2016
MSWA awards Pharmacy 777 for their ongoing commitment
MSWA awarded Pharmacy 777 with its Business Commitment Award at the 2016 MS Dinner Auction held in August.
04 May 2016
NDIS to be rolled out a year later in WA
The rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Western Australia has been pushed back to mid-next year - 12 months later than the rest of the country - but the trials will be expanded.
07 April 2016
MSWA Ambassador Josh Kennedy paying forward
As part of a new AFL Players’ Association initiative, ‘AFL Players Care’, MSWA Ambassador Josh Kennedy and his West Coast Eagles team mates have donated $5,000 to MSWA.
29 January 2016
Generous donation received from cultural event organisers
In October last year, Lalit Doolabh and his music band, Sweet Melodies, organised a community fundraising event – Navrang - to celebrate the Hindu festival Navrati.
27 January 2016
MSWA announces successful applicants for inaugural Research Funding Round
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA (MSWA) has a long history of providing significant financial contributions to Australian MS research efforts into finding the cause, better treatments and a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS).
18 December 2015
Wife's MS diagnosis inspires generous donation
Charles Sweeney, General Manager of Mining at Civmec Construction and Engineering, has been working with his division’s contractors and suppliers on a raffle to raise money for MSWA. He had a goal of $10,000 and managed to beat it raising an impressive $10,400!
02 December 2015
Study to test impact of chocolate on MS related fatigue
As part of the trial, forty people with MS will consume a hot chocolate drink every day over six weeks.
25 October 2015
Josh named All Australian
Multiple Sclerosis Western Australia (MSWA) Ambassador and West Coast Eagles forward, Josh Kennedy, has been selected in the Virgin Australia all-Australian AFL Team.
17 August 2015
MSWA Commitment Awards
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western Australia (MSWA) hosted the annual MSWA Dinner Auction at the State Reception Centre, Fraser’s, Kings Park on Thursday, 6 August 2015.
25 March 2015
New MS treatment available on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Lemtrada® (alemtuzumab), a new therapy for people living with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 April 2015.
20 January 2015
Stomach Ulcer bug may protect against MS
A West Australian team has found evidence that the stomach ulcer bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, is associated with a lower risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), bolstering evidence for the role of the ‘hygiene hypothesis’ in autoimmune disorders.
26 November 2014
Young Carer Finalist
Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be a challenge, but when you have the support of your family and friends, it makes the difference between wanting to fight, and the thought of giving up. For Branka Smiljanic, the support of her 11-year-old-son, Alexander Tanasijevic, is Branka’s reason to fight.
14 November 2014
Members take out Canning Show prize
On 31 October, five very talented MSWA Members were brave enough to put their handiwork up for scrutiny in the 2014 Canning Show. Mosaic tiles, paintings and flower arrangements were among some of the submissions and if they were nervous about how they would fare, the results proved that they didn’t need to be.
21 October 2014
New MS research projects announced
There is good news in the MS research world, as the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has announced new research projects that will receive funding from 2015. Of these, four are new MS research projects which will benefit from this funding over the next three to five years.
21 October 2014
Onwards and upwards – MS Members move to bigger premises
When one door closes, another door opens.
Fortunately, a much bigger door has opened for the Members of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA (MSWA) as they bade farewell to Seabrooke House in Rockingham after almost 19 years and moved into a newer and larger premises on Council Avenue last Friday.
28 August 2014
LED upgrade lighting for Wilson facility
The MS Society is proud to announce the upgrade of its Wilson facility with energy efficient lighting technology. This activity received funding from the Australian Government and encapsulates the installation of 376 new LED lights throughout the facility.
25 August 2014
Lemtrada (Alemtuzumab) recommended for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Alemtuzumab, to be marketed as Lemtrada, is the latest drug treatment for people with relapsing remitting MS. It was approved by the National Health Service in the UK, and we have just received news that it has recently been positively recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) in Australia for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidy.
02 July 2014
Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis
"I took part in my first yoga class twelve years ago. I hated it! I vowed to never go back”,remembers Kelly Nichols, a yoga instructor who has been teaching yoga to Members of the MS Society of WA since 2013,“twelve years on and here I am…a yoga teacher!”
11 June 2014
Perth Members Forum Wrap Up 2014
Research, robotics and reminders of the importance of self-care were the topics explored with the one hundred and twenty attendees at the Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA (MSWA) annual Perth Members’ Forum held in South Perth on Wednesday 4 June.
10 June 2014
A grand holiday for MSWA Members
May was the month of formal attire, live entertainment and exquisite dining for our Members at Wilson Outreach. The Centre was transformed into the MS Cruiseliner for all its Members (and care support staff) to enjoy a spirited holiday without the price tag or overnight bag. Activities such as bingo, bowling and high tea kept the holiday energy moving despite the stormy weather outside. Off shore excursions to the cinema were included in the package.
12 May 2014
Increasing treatment options for people living with MS
Medical treatment options to reduce relapse rates and slow the progression of disability in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis are becoming available at a rate never before seen in Australia. Recently, Members of the MS Society of WA in the South West, were presented with current and future options that may alter the course of their disease at the annual Bunbury Members’ Forum.
17 April 2014
Vitamin D & MS
The power of Vitamin D to potentially reduce the risk of getting MS and influence disease progression of multiple sclerosis is gradually being revealed through the work of Australian researchers such as Professor Bruce Taylor and his colleagues at the Menzies Research Institute, Tasmania. Professor Taylor, a Professional Research Fellow at the Institute, recently visited Perth to provide an update on the latest findings regarding the role of vitamin D in MS, to MSWA Members and health professionals.
10 February 2014
MSWA Volunteer awarded Citizen of the Year
George Leathley has been a volunteer at the Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA (MSWA) for almost nine years, alongside his wife Jeanette. George also volunteers for the Gosnells Football Club and the Addie Mills Centre.
11 November 2013
New medications added to PBS
Two new oral disease modifying treatments for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), Tecfidera and Aubagio, will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia as of 1 December, 2013.
31 October 2013
MSWA appoints new President
George Pampacos has been appointed the new President of the Board of Directors for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western Australia (MSWA). Prior to this appointment, George had been on the MSWA Board for four years.
17 October 2013
The home stretch
We’re excited to announce the completion of building works and landscaping, at the new Hamilton Hill facility.
17 October 2013
Sound the Siren-Rock for MS
17 October 2013
Another record contribution
For the second successive year, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA (MSWA) is delighted to have been able to contribute more than $1 million towards research to help find the cause and cure for MS.
17 October 2013
Get your ticket now
Tickets are now on sale for the Multi-Choice Raffle. You've got to be in it to win it.
15 October 2013
A huge honour for MSWA Board Director
One of Australia’s most prominent neurologists, and Board Director at the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western Australia, Professor William Carroll, has been appointed to the highly prestigious position of First Vice President of the World Federation of Neurologists (WFN).
15 October 2013
They rode for MS
On Sunday, 20 October, more than 2,000 riders took to the coast in the annual Hatch Ocean Ride for MS. Riding from Fremantle to Hillarys in either the 10, 35, 50 or 70km rides, participants also raised funds along the way to help us reach our target of $300,000.
