Community Member Update September-October 2026 | Muscular Dystrophy Queensland
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Community Member Update September-October 2026

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Hello everyone,

There’s plenty happening across our MDQ community over the coming months, with many opportunities to connect, share experiences and enjoy time together. Whether you can join us in person or online, I hope you’ll find an event that feels right for you and your family.

In this edition, you’ll also find updates on peer support, recent NDIS changes and other news from across the disability community. We’re pleased to share highlights from some of our recent activities too, including the wonderful connections and memories made at Kids Holiday Fun Day and our very first MDQuest.

We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the Ray White Bell Group and their ongoing support of MDQ with the Bellissimo long lunch, and for all of the supporters who ran, walked, rolled or donated for Bridge to Brisbane.

It is also that time of year that we ask you to provide your feedback about our service over the past year in our annual Client Survey. Your responses help us to improve and develop services and enable us to apply for the funding needed to make events and programs a reality.

Please enjoy the read.

Penny Deavin | CEO | Muscular Dystrophy Queensland

 

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2026 MDQ Community Member Survey

Every year, Muscular Dystrophy Queensland seeks feedback about our services, their relevance to you and their quality.

We would be grateful if you could take a few minutes to provide your feedback so we can continue to provide the supports and services that you need, as well as develop our future services.

The survey should take 5-10 minutes to complete.

Your responses are anonymous, however, if you would like us to follow up on any of your feedback, you can leave your name and contact details at the end of the of the survey or contact us directly.

Complete Survey

Recent events

 

Kids Holiday Fun Day

We had heaps of fun with Ryan, aka DJ Cheeky Boy, at our recent Kids Holiday Fun Day. The kids had a go at beatboxing and karaoke, got a closer look at Ryan’s DJ setup, and enjoyed chatting with him about what it’s like to be a DJ.

Judging by the smiles, we might have a few future DJs in the making! 🎧🎤😄

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MD Quest

We had a wonderful turnout for our very first MDQuest at South Bank, with more than 30 community members joining us for a day of fun, exploration and connection. Participants chose between experiencing the Jim Henson exhibition at GOMA or taking a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane, complete with a guided tour and fascinating insights into the history of South Bank.

Afterwards, everyone came together for lunch, where great food, plenty of conversation and lots of laughter were shared. It was a fantastic day of connection, new experiences and making memories together. 😊

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Bridge to Brisbane

Our incredible community came together in the Bridge to Brisbane to help us raise over $30K! 

To everyone who walked, ran, rolled, donated, shared our cause or volunteered their time: thank you. This achievement belongs to all of you.

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BELLissimo

We were delighted to work alongside the Ray White Bell Group family to present Bellissimo 2026 last Friday. As the photos show, it was fun-filled and fabulous, and while we’re still tallying the final results, the success of this year’s event adds to decades of generous support.

How can we possibly express our gratitude for the wonderful support Andrew and Greg Bell and the entire Ray White Bell Group family have given Muscular Dystrophy Queensland over so many years? Since the late 1990s, they have hosted the Muscular Dystrophy Gala Ball and now the Bellissimo Long Lunch. Year after year, they have generously shared their time, networks and influence, helping to raise awareness and funding for services and research that support Queensland families living with muscular dystrophy.

This year, it was our pleasure to also recognise the ongoing support from a number of partners who support MDQ through this event, including ONGC, Bensons Property Group and Macquarie Group, making a $75,000 donation to MDQ this year.

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Upcoming MDQ Events

Toowoomba Community Lunch

If you live in Toowoomba or the surrounding area, please join us for lunch at the The Southern Hotel. Lunch is on us, so bring the family and connect with the local MDQ community.

Where: The Southern Hotel, 839 Ruthven Street, Kearneys Spring
When: 12pm Thursday, 12th November
RSVP: online or email: info@mdqld.org.au by Friday, 6th November

Community Christmas Party 

Save the date for the MDQ Community Christmas Party!

Our favourite event of the year, our Christmas Party is a festive evening for our MD community to come together and celebrate the year that’s been.

Bring your family along for a buffet dinner, great company, and a special visit from Santa! The event will be held at the fully accessible Wade Core Function Centre at Carina Leagues Club.

Where: Carina Leagues Club (Wade Core Function Centre) – 1390 Creek Road, Carina
When: 5pm, Thursday 3rd December
RSVP: online or email: info@mdqld.org.au by Wednesday, 25th November

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Capalaba Coffee & Chat
9 November 2026

Come along and enjoy coffee, cake and conversation with Noni from our Community Liaison Group. Whether you’re new or a regular, you’re welcome to bring a friend, family member or carer. Food and drinks available for purchase.

Where: “The Bush Pantry” at Horizons, 1-15A Runnymede Road, Capalaba.  
When: 10:30am Monday, 9th November
RSVP online or email: info@mdqld.org.au 

 

In Person Coffee & Chat – Toowoomba
16 November  |  14 December 2026

Make some new friends and catch up with other members of the MDQ community in a relaxed and casual setting over a cup of coffee. 

16 November: 10:30am – Gelatissimo, 446 Ruthven St, Toowoomba
14 December: 10:30am – Chocolate Cottage, 10475 New England Hwy, Highfields

RSVP: online or email: info@mdqld.org.au

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Virtual Coffee & Chat – For people with NMCs 
25 November 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

 

New Virtual Coffee & Chat Sunday Session – For people with NMCs 
13 December

We understand that weekday evenings can be a challenge for some of our community so we are trialling an opportunity to connect on a Sunday afternoon as well. Join Sarah and others from the Community Liaison Group and enjoy some good company, share ideas and connect with the MDQ community.

Time: 3pm
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
RSVP: email: CLGchair@mdqld.org.au

 

Virtual Coffee & Chat – For parents & carers
4 November 2026

Take a break and join our friendly online Parents Coffee Catch Up. It’s a relaxed, supportive space for parents and carers of people with a neuromuscular condition to connect, share tips and enjoy the company of people who understand.

Time: 7pm
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
RSVP: online or email: events@mdqld.org.au

MDQ Peer Support – A Facebook group just for you!

MDQ Peer Support is a private Facebook group run by clients of MDQ who are living with neuromuscular conditions for other members of the community and their families. The purpose of this group is to foster connection and support. A safe place where the MDQ community can share information and ideas.

Have you joined the MDQ Peer Support group yet? 

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News from our Community

Afternoon Tea Raises Awareness for Muscular Dystrophy

MDQ community member Rochelle recently hosted an Afternoon Tea for MD to raise awareness and understanding of Myotonic Dystrophy and muscular dystrophy more broadly.

The cause is deeply personal to Rochelle. Her late father was first diagnosed with Myotonic Dystrophy and Rochelle learned that she had also inherited the condition in the same year that her father passed away. She organised the event in appreciation of the support MDQ has provided to them both.

Guests enjoyed afternoon tea and could purchase handmade crafts, many lovingly created by Rochelle’s mum. MDQ Support Coordinator Jisha also attended to support the occasion.

Thank you to Rochelle, her family and everyone who participated for helping build awareness and connection in our community.

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There are still some pieces available for sale so if you are interesting in purchasing a handcrafted item please get in touch with us.

Join the New MDQ Social Group

MDQ’s Community Liaison Group is kicking off it’s new MDQ Social Group with a special screening of the new feature film Being Heumann.

Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sian Heder and staring Ruth Madeley and Mark Ruffalo, Being Human is based on the true story of disability rights activist Judy Heumann.

In 1977 she led an historic 28-day occupation of San Francisco’s Federal Building, uniting protesters in a fight for accessibility laws and equal rights

If you’d like to be involved, please email: CLGchair@mdqld.org.auwith your preference of either:

  • Thursday 19th November at 11am or
  • Sunday 22nd November at 2pm

Location to be advised. BYO snacks.

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Poweroos represent Australia on the World Stage

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The Poweroos have been proudly representing Australia in the 2026 World Cup in Argentina. They wrapped up their campaign in the playoff for 7th place, taking a thrilling win over Japan. It was a fight to the end with the Poweroos securing the victory in a penalty shootout after levelling with Japan in the last minute of extra time.

We are so incredibly proud of the entire squad, especially our incredible Queensland athletes and MDQ community members who have given it their absolute all on the world stage.

If you missed the action, you can watch the replays on the Official FIPFA YouTube channel.

Inspired to give it a go? Contact the Queensland Powerchair Football Association.

NDIS News

NDIS Changes

This has been a time of significant changes at the NDIS as the government tries to reel in spending on the scheme with its Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Bill.

We understand that keeping up with all the NDIS news can be a bit overwhelming so we’ve created a quick easy-read summary of recent and upcoming changes and you can also watch the Info session that our Support Coordination team presented last month.

If your plan end date is coming up, make sure that you have reports from all of your providers with evidence for your support needs in the coming year.

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Remember, if you do get a call out of the blue from the NDIS to ask how your plan is going, you can ask them to call back at a time when you have a chance to prepare and have a support person with you.

If you need some help, please call us.

Other news

Australian Government’s New Disability Update

The Australian Government has just launched a new Disability Update newsletter to share information with people with disability and their families and supporters. It may be helpful to keep up to date with all the changes happening in the disability sector.

2026 CMT Australia National Conference

The 2026 CMT Australia National Conference was held in Brisbane in October.

The conference brought together a range of professionals working in the Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) space, including researchers, advocates and equipment adaptors. Our own Vicki Carrick attended to discuss MDQ’s services and help us connect with the wider CMT community.

The event was available both in person and online, allowing people from across Queensland and beyond to take part.

For more information about CMT Australia, visit cmtaustralia.org.au.

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