A letter from Sarah Shaw, Chair of the Community Liaison Group

29 August 2024

The Community Liaison Group was formed in late 2023 to ensure the voices of the 600 plus members of Muscular Dystrophy Queensland and their carers have a way to be heard. The group also supports MDQ by contributing current, real lived experience to conversations around organisational priorities.

In its first full year of operation, the committee has focused on creating multiple ways for the community to connect by establishing and commencing the following initiatives.

• MDQ Peer Support Facebook Group (18 plus)
A place to find relevant information, connect with other peers in the community and have your questions answered.

• Monthly Virtual Coffee and Chat
An opportunity to meet and chat with others living with muscular dystrophy. The link to each session can be found on the MDQ Peer Support Events page or by emailing CLGChair@mdqld.org.au.

• In person community events
The next event will be a trivia night on 5 October 2024. Details will be emailed and shared on MDQ social media. We hope to see many of you there.

The committee is very aware that MDQ members are geographically dispersed and have a wide range of needs and experiences. We are therefore committed to providing opportunities for connection across a range of formats and locations, on different days and at different times. Our goal is to ensure everyone has a chance to connect throughout the year.

The committee has also worked closely with MDQ to support an increase in community events over the past eighteen months, including Easter and Christmas events, the school holiday program and the Ride Walk Roll launch.

Want to get involved?

The Community Liaison Group is a small, dedicated group and would greatly benefit from additional members, particularly those from regional Queensland or under twenty five. If you can commit to quarterly meetings, contribute your voice to discussions and work collaboratively with others, we would love to hear from you.

Can’t join the committee but still want to help? Please consider completing the MDQ Annual Survey, which will be released later in the year.

If you have any queries, concerns or ideas, or would simply like to introduce yourself, feel free to contact me at CLGChair@mdqld.org.au.

Hope to see you soon.

On behalf of the Community Liaison Group

Sarah Shaw CLG Chair