Community Neurological Sector Conference 2023

The 2023 Community Neurological Sector Conference brought together local and international voices to explore how we can collectively improve health and disability services, outcomes and lives for people affected by brain and nervous system conditions.

Guided by the World Health Organisation’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders 2022–2031, the conference provided a platform to share ideas, challenges and opportunities — and to spark collaboration across sectors.

We hope the conversations started at this event continue to inspire action and drive meaningful change.

OPENING ADDRESS - 'Sustainable Health Review - The role of community-based care'

Ms Hannah Beazley MLA, Member for Victoria Park and Patron of MND Association of WA

WHO Game-Changer for Neurology and Brain Health - Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders 2022–2031 (IGAP)

Ms Donna Walsh, CEO of International Bureau for Epilepsy and Chair of World OneNeurology Partnership

IGAP STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 1 - Raising policy prioritization and strengthening governance

Dr Simon Towler, Chief Medical Officer at Department of Health WA

IGAP STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 2 - Providing effective, timely & responsive diagnosis, treatment & care

Professor Charles Watson AM, Neurobiologist & Public Health Physician | Dr Darshan Ghia, Stroke Neurologist at Fiona Stanley Hospital

You Are Not Alone

Ms Rachael Schwarz, Encephalitis WA Advocate | Ms Karen Tighe, ABC Sports Broadcaster and Encephalitis Ambassador

The Value of Community Based Epilepsy Education and Support

Ms Paulette Kemp, Epilepsy Smart Manager at Epilepsy WA

FLASH TALK – Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science

Dr Rebekah Puls, Research Director at Perron Institute

IGAP STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 3 - Implement strategies for promotion and prevention

Professor Tissa Wijeratne OAM, Neurologist; World Brain Day Founder; Chair, Global Policy & Advocacy Committee, World Federation of Neurology

NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS PANEL - More Than Just a Health Problem

Ms Elsie Blay, Executive Manager of Services of Ruah Community Services | Ms Margaret Irvine, DARDY Project of Legal Aid WA | Mr Richard Newman, CEO of Carers WA | Ms Janet Wagland, GM Community at Brightwater Care Group

COGNITIVE & ABI PANEL - Community Neurological Challenges & Opportunities

Mr Bruce MacAdam, State Lead of Synapse Brain Injury Assoc | Ms Antonella Segre, CEO of ADHD WA | Ms Narelle Little, Community Engagement Coordinator of Stroke Foundation | Dr Lauren Taylor, Senior Clinical Psychologist of Autism WA

NEUROMUSCULAR / MOVEMENT DISORDERS PANEL - Community Neurological Challenges & Opportunities

Ms Hayley Lethlean, CEO of Neuromuscular WA | Adjunct Prof. Yasmin Naglazas, CEO of Parkinsons WA | Ms Lenni Duffield, CEO, Huntingtons | Ms Sophie Nunn, OT at MND Association WA | Mr Geoff Hutchinson, Manager Client Engagement of MSWA

FLASH TALK – Meningitis Centre Australia

Ms Karen Quick, CEO of Meningitis Centre Australia

D-DADS PANEL – Dad leaders raising the profile of disability and promoting inclusion for all

Mr Alan Langford, former Bankwest Chief Economist | Mr Kane Blackman, CEO of Good Sammys | Mr Mal Cronstedt, WA Advocacy Manager of FPA Australia | Mike Duncan, Global Account Manager of Brunel.

CLOSING ADDRESS – Brain Health and Disability: Leave no one behind – Advancing health equity

Marion Hailes-MacDonald, Director of WA Office of Disability