Official Opening of the Communities Session at the MS Australia Progress in MS Research Conference

MS Australia, Chair Mr George Pampacos; MS Queensland Chair Mr Shaun Treacy; MS Australia CEO Mr Rohan Greenland; MS Queensland CEO, Mr David Curd; and MS Western Australia CEO, Ms Melanie Kiely; researchers, clinicians, allied health professionals and members of the MS community, welcome. 

I begin by also acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today. 

As Patron of MS Queensland, I’m pleased to join you for what promises to be an enlightening occasion for those living with multiple sclerosis, their carers and families, allied health professionals, and the dedicated leaders and staff of MS organisations advocating for progress. 

I particularly acknowledge those who have travelled some distance to be here and hope you enjoy your time in our beautiful city. I also warmly welcome our live-stream delegates. 

Since Wednesday, researchers, clinicians and health experts have been immersed in the scientific program—exchanging ideas and collaborating on the complexities and challenges of MS. 

MS is unpredictable, presenting with varied symptoms and progression pathways. This diversity often makes diagnosis prolonged and difficult. Yet, with more than 33,000 Australians affected—most of them women—and as the most common acquired chronic neurological disease in young adults, it is vital we continue to improve diagnosis, treatment and quality of life, while always seeking a cure. 

I welcome the newly released MS Australia report that provides new data regarding the impact and the rising prevalence of MS in this country.  

This conference—Australia’s leading forum for MS research—is an invaluable opportunity to encourage innovation. But solving the MS puzzle also means incorporating lived experience and sharing the latest insights—such as evolving evidence around Epstein-Barr virus and MS. 

I therefore recognise the vital contribution of the Lived Experience Expert Panel – including Ms Rachel Kerr, who you will hear from shortly – whose perspectives are now firmly embedded in research, policy and community engagement. 

Today’s Community program adds real value by sharing practical information and research updates with a wider audience. 

Progress depends on your involvement, and I know you are eager to hear from the experts about current and future research. 

This collaborative approach has made MS Australia—and in our State, MS Queensland—incredibly effective agents of change and this morning, I pay tribute to your leadership, executives and staff, for championing the cause. 

I also commend all of those amazing people taking part in the scientific sessions at this conference for their immense determination and commitment. 

Now, it is my privilege to wish you all a most interesting and beneficial time, and to officially open the Communities Session of the MS Australia, Progress in MS Research Conference.