From the CEO's Desk with Stacey Thorpe

As we begin a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on 2024 and look ahead to the exciting plans we have for 2025. This is our first newsletter of the year, and it comes after what was undeniably our biggest year yet. For the last five years, we have continued to grow - expanding our services, reaching more Queenslanders impacted by MND, and strengthening our voice as a leading advocate for the community. 2024 was no exception.

A key focus last year was the implementation of our strategic plan, ensuring that our growth was purposeful and aligned with the needs of the people we serve. I am proud to say that we have made significant progress in delivering on that plan. More Queenslanders than ever before accessed our services in 2024, and we have firmly established ourselves as a large and impactful charity, one that is committed to providing the best possible care and support to individuals living with MND and their families.

Big Plans for 2025

While 2024 was a milestone year, we have no plans to slow down. In fact, we are preparing for an even bigger 2025, with some critical new services set to launch. This year, we are:

While 2024 was a milestone year, we have no plans to slow down. In fact, we are preparing for an even bigger 2025, with some critical new services set to launch. This year, we are:

• Introducing a psychology service - something that is desperately needed to help individuals and families navigate the emotional and mental health challenges that come with an MND diagnosis.

• Expanding into respiratory physiotherapy, ensuring that people living with MND can access this vital support.

• Strengthening our regional presence, so that no matter where someone lives in Queensland, they can get the help they need.

• Hosting fundraising events across the state, giving our supporters in regional areas more opportunities to get involved and make a difference.

• Continuing our push to secure state government funding, because the scale of MND Queensland’s work should be recognised and supported at a state level.

None of this would be possible without the incredible team we have - a group of professionals whose skill, dedication, and deep compassion make all the difference. From our service delivery team to our fundraisers, the Management Committee and our support staff, our volunteers and advocates, every single person plays a role in helping us grow and reach more people. Our plans for 2025 are ambitious, but with this team, and with the continued support of our amazing community, I have no doubt that we will make them a reality.

Christmas Appeal – A Huge Thank You

One of the most powerful ways we saw our community come together recently was through our Christmas Appeal. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every single person who contributed - whether through donations, sharing stories, or helping us spread the word.

Your generosity has put us significantly closer to launching our psychology service, which will provide much-needed mental health support for people living with MND and their loved ones. This service will be life-changing, and we simply could not take this step forward without you.

I also want to acknowledge and sincerely thank those who shared their personal stories as part of the appeal. Speaking about the emotional and psychological impact of an MND diagnosis, or the grief of losing a loved one, is not easy - but it is essential. By opening up and giving others insight into the realities of this disease, you helped bring our community closer together and highlighted just how critical this new service will be.

Looking Ahead

At MND Queensland, we are committed to growing, improving, and evolving - because the people we support deserve nothing less. Every year, we aim to do more, reach further, and advocate louder for the needs of Queenslanders impacted by MND.

I want to thank you - our community - for being with us on this journey. Whether you are accessing our services, supporting our work, raising awareness, or fundraising, you are a crucial part of this movement. 2025 is shaping up to be another incredible year, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve together.