A new initiative in the Moree area for people with spinal cord injury or neurological disabilities will be launched at an informal meet-and-greet at Moree Services Club on Sunday, March 2.
Spinal Cord Injuries Australia is forming local community networks for people with spinal cord injury or neurological disabilities, their families, parents, friends and carers to connect.
New England Advocacy Community Network peer leader, Tanya Fitch, said networks are aimed at supporting one another, discussing local issues that matter and sharing lived experiences, knowledge and ideas.
“We will have regular, casual get-togethers in the Moree region, which will be either face-to-face or virtually via Microsoft Teams,” Tanya said.
“We welcome anyone in the New England area who wants to come along to meet and interact with others who have spinal cord injury or neurological disabilities.
“Our get-togethers will be informal and held in safe spaces with casual and relaxed settings,” she said.
In 1985, Tanya sustained a spinal cord injury from a serious car accident, resulting in paraplegia.
She requires the use of a wheelchair permanently.
“Over the last 39 years, having a disability has proven to be frustrating, isolating, and challenging at times,” Tanya said.
“Communicating with others who understand these experiences can be beneficial in addressing everyday issues.
“Those newly injured, or diagnosed, often benefit from the guidance and advice of individuals with broader, lived experiences,” she said.
Tanya said exchanging information at get-togethers through the New England Advocacy Community Network fosters long-lasting friendships and continuous learning.
“The most practical advice for managing life with disabilities frequently comes from others in similar situations,” Tanya said.
“For me, personally, the most helpful advice throughout my journey as a paraplegic, has always been from others with disabilities.
“At times, the only people who really understand what living with a disability or caring for someone with a disability is truly like, are others experiencing it 24/7,” she said.
“Though disabilities vary, common experiences include self-care, daily supports, social participation, assistive technology, community perceptions, acceptance, and accessibility to services and infrastructure.”
Tanya said living in rural areas with a disability also presents additional challenges, including inadequate local support, limited services, medical expertise, treatments, and outdated infrastructure.
“The local Advocacy Community Network offers individuals with spinal cord injuries and neurological disabilities a platform to discuss personal problems, share resources and ideas, and identify community issues,” Tanya said.
“This initiative also aims to facilitate self-advocacy for feasible solutions to improve lives and overall wellbeing.”
The group’s first meeting in Moree is scheduled for Sunday, March 2 at Albies dining room at Moree Services Club at 11am.
“We welcome those attending to stay for lunch from 1pm,” Tanya said.
“For those travelling from outside Moree and wishing to make a day of it, the monthly markets at Jellicoe Park start at 8am and after our get-together in Albies, the club’s raffles start at 3pm.”
The newly-established networks aim to provide a platform for individuals with spinal cord injuries to voice concerns and needs specific to their region.
By forming local networks, SCIA enables people to collectively advocate for improved accessibility, services, and policy changes relevant to their community.
“The Community Networks provide a safe and supportive space for people with disability, their families, friends, and carers to connect,” Tanya said.
“They enable us to discuss relevant issues, share experiences and support each other.”
New England Advocacy Community Network meet-and-greet
When: Sunday, March 2
Where: Moree Services Club
Time: 11am to 1pm, with lunch available afterwards until 2pm
To register attendance and RSVP: Moree Meet and Greet
Alternatively, scan the QR code in the image below.
For more information about Advocacy Community Networks and other SCIA services, please contact representative@scia.org.au.
Local enquiries: Tanya Fitch on 0408 448840
