Community Member Update July-August 2026

Hello everyone,

As we head into the second half of the year, MDQ continues to focus on creating opportunities for connection, sharing trusted information, and supporting our community to navigate the challenges and successes that come with living with a neuromuscular condition.

This edition is packed with upcoming events, information sessions, community stories, and important updates that we hope will be both useful and inspiring. From our new workshop for young adults and community catch ups across Queensland, to exciting events like Dad’s Day Out and MD Quest, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and connect with others.

This month also brings some significant changes within the MDQ team. We farewell Lynne as she begins a well-earned retirement and wish Zoe all the very best as she prepares to welcome a new addition to her family. At the same time, we’re delighted to welcome our new OT, Carla to our Allied Health team.

As always, we remain committed to keeping you informed about changes, opportunities and emerging developments in the neuromuscular community and disability sector, including NDIS updates and practical information to help you make informed decisions. Thank you for your ongoing engagement, feedback and support. It is your voice and participation that continue to shape the work we do.

Please enjoy the read.

Penny Deavin
CEO | Muscular Dystrophy Queensland

Kids School Holiday Fun Day: DJ For a Day
1st October 2026

Ryan Bayley, a member of the MDQ community, will be joining us to share his passion for music and give kids the chance to step into the world of DJing.

Participants will learn some DJ basics, try their hand at beatboxing and enjoy a fun karaoke session with friends.

Time: 10am-1:30pm
Where: Toombul Shire Hall, Nundah
RSVP: online or email: info@mdqld.org.au

Virtual Coffee & Chat – For people with NMCs 
30 September 2026

Join Sarah from MDQ’s Community Liaison Group for a monthly online open conversation. A welcoming space to discuss life, share challenges, explore ideas, and celebrate wins of all sizes. Held on the last Wednesday of every month.

Time: 6pm
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
RSVP: online or email: CLGchair@mdqld.org.au

We wish Lynne every happiness in this next chapter of her life and know that she will be greatly missed by everyone at MDQ and our whole neuromuscular community.

If anyone has a farewell message for Lynne, please send them through to the office and we will be happy to pass them on.

Our lovely Senior Occupational Therapist, Zoe is also moving on to a new exciting chapter in her life as she is soon to welcome a new baby into her family.

Zoe began working with MDQ as our Northside OT in 2024 and very quickly became a much loved and respected member of the team. She will be greatly missed, but we know this will be a wonderful new adventure for her and her family.

Welcome to our new OT

We are excited to introduce you to our new Occupational Therapist, Carla McDermott, who will be taking over Zoe’s client list.

Carla previously worked as an Occupational Therapist at Pepper Kids Therapy after gaining a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Griffith University.  She has been working closely with Zoe during a brief transition time and will be supported by our other fabulous OTs and the Allied Health Team.

 

MDQ Quality Audit

We are happy to let you know that MDQ has passed our mid-term quality audit. During this audit process, the auditor interviewed families and MDQ staff members as well as looking at our policies and procedures.

She noted that it was evident that we go above and beyond the scope of the practice standards, to support our clients and families.  She saw our support as ‘exceptional’ and a ‘true example of  what a community service should look like’.

A big thanks to those clients who were randomly selected for an audit interview. We really appreciated your lovely feedback.

 

MDQ Info Hub and YouTube Channel

If you missed out on some of our earlier information sessions and events, or you’d like a refresher on the information provided, you can visit our Info Hub and YouTube Channel.

Some recent editions:

• Finding and Managing Your Support Staff
• Neuromuscular Research Seminar Presentations:
  • FSHD Research & Clinical Trial Updates – Emma Weatherley (FSHD Global)
  • Neuromuscular Clinical Trial Updates – Dr Robert Henderson (Neurologist)
  • Caring for a Child with Muscular Dystrophy – Dr Anita Cairns (Paediatric Neurologist)
  • Community, Care & Research in DMD and BMD – Alannah Young & Deb Robins (Save our Sons)
  • Treating Sleep Disordered Breathing in Myotonic Dystrophy – Alexandra Childs (Sleep & Respiratory Scientist)
  • MDQ Panel – Q&A with reps from MDQ Allied Health and Support Coordination

Don’t forget that you can subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive notifications of new videos from MDQ.

Client Story

Meet Ryan, aka DJ Cheeky Boy

My name’s Ryan & I’ve always had an addiction to music. Whether it be electronic, classic, pop, rock, hip-hop or even jazz & classical, if it has a beat, I probably like it.

Music has changed my life in ways I never knew it had planned, from starting out in choir when I was very little, getting a chance to be in the Australian Boys Choir, to Beatboxing for over 10+ years professionally with the world’s best.

I have won competitions, taught all ages to beatbox, all while playing a bit of piano here & there. I’ve since in the last 5 years really put all my efforts into the DJ scene which has since exploded!

I first decided to enter “YourShot”, Australia’s biggest DJ competition back in 2020, but it was postponed until 2022 due to Covid. Doing “YourShot” was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. It taught me new skills, determination, discipline & gave me new friends, a lifetime skill, courage & passion.

Since then, I’ve been practicing, growing my music library & having some of the most exciting experiences. Like rocking up to a venue, asking the DJ if I can have a go, then making a dance floor vibrate!

I have even convinced a few of my friends to give “YourShot” a go too. People always say do what you love in life, well I’m living proof that it’s possible!

You can always catch me off to a new gig, concert, festival, you name it! I’m always deep in the crowd grinning ear to ear, sounded by strangers absolutely loving it. That’s what gave me such drive to become a DJ, so I could give what I always crave & help others have a great night or even make a lifelong memory.

Being able to DJ professionally now seems like I’m awake in a dream, you can do anything in life if you push hard enough. I’ve heard that line a million times in movies, documentaries etc. but now once again I’m that living proof it’s possible if you want it bad enough!

When I was 15, I wrote this saying & I live by it every day! Never Live In An If.
So go out there, take a risk, take a leap, land on your face! it’s okay! because if you can get back up & keep trying, then I promise you when you turn around, you’ll thank yourself forever!

 

Ryan has given us some great insider information about the accessibility of Brisbane’s club and concert scene and his concert and club tips.

Click here to find out more information and to listen to his YourShot intro and entry.

Do you want to share your story? Let us know – email info@mdqld.org.au or call 3243 9700.

NDIS News

New First Nations Connect Phone Service

The NDIS has introduced a new phone service for First Nations people and their families, carers, representatives, health workers and community organisations.

All staff supporting First Nations Connect have undergone specialised training and some identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

It focuses on respectful conversations, clear information, and solving requests during the first call. It aims to build comfort, trust, and cultural safety.

Using First Nation Connect won’t

• change eligibility, funding, or your plan
• provide faster service
• replace other ways to contact the NDIS.

You can access First Nations connect from the NDIS contact page or by calling 1800 411 640. Find out more at First Nations Connect.

 

Every Body Moves is a free community event series that brings people with and without disability together to connect, belong and get active.

Working alongside local sporting organisations and community partners, the event helps people discover sports and activities they enjoy, build confidence, make new connections and learn about ongoing opportunities available in their local community.

• Try a variety of sports and activities.
• Meet local sporting clubs and community organisations.
• Connect with new people.
• Enjoy activities with family and friends.
• Experience a range of sports from different perspectives.
• Explore opportunities to continue participating in sport after the event.
• Enjoy a fun, welcoming and accessible community experience.

Activities include opportunities for people with and without disability to participate together, helping everyone discover the benefits of sport, physical activity and community connection.

REGISTER NOW – BRISBANE
Date: Sunday, 13 September 2026
Time: 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Venue: Nissan Arena, Nathan

REGISTER NOW – GOLD COAST
Date: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Time: 10am – 1pm
Venue: Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre

Get more information about Every Body Moves

Recent Events

Brisbane Winter Dinner

We had a great turnout to our Mid-Winter Community Dinner. We were thrilled to see lots of new faces attending an MDQ event for the first time, along with lots of regulars that we always love catching up with.

The craft table was a big hit with the kids who got the opportunity to create their own snow globes, coasters and snowflakes!

Kids Holiday Fun Day

It was all fun and games at our recent Kids Holiday Fun Day. A big thanks to Sophy for bringing all the chess supplies and offering instruction to all the budding chess champions in our community.

Some super-sized games and legos were also crowd favourites and kept the kids busy while parents took the opportunity to grab a coffee and have chat.

Gold Coast Community Dinner

We caught up with our Gold Coast community at the Sharks Leagues Club for a delicious dinner. We love catching up with our community and we are grateful for the generous donations and grants that make these events possible.