CEO issues challenge: spend a morning using a wheelchair

Today (19 July) marked Spinal Injuries Association Chief Executive Officer Bruce Milligan’s inaugural visit to the organisation’s Townsville office.

Bruce commenced his leadership role with Queensland’s peak body for people with spinal cord injuries at the end of June, and has quickly taken the opportunity to meet North Queensland Association members, staff and the organisation’s North Queensland Supporters Committee to learn about the unique environment that they live and work in.

“It’s always a pleasure to travel to the north of our state, and to meet our members and clients from throughout this region will be an invaluable opportunity to better understand the opportunities and challenges of living in Townsville and the surrounding areas for people with spinal cord injuries,” Bruce said.

“As a Queensland-wide organisation we’re equally dedicated to providing supports and service that empower and enhance the lives of our members and clients, regardless of their geographical location.”

Bruce’s visit is also a timely opportunity to discuss the Association’s support for a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and he will also launch the organisation’s inaugural Take My Seat challenge, which will be held in Townsville on Tuesday, 20 September during Disability Action Week (18-24 September).

Bruce said Take My Seat was a great opportunity for local business people and community leaders to experience for themselves the challenges of having a permanent disability by spending a morning using a wheelchair and completing a range of tasks such as catching a taxi, ordering a coffee, using an ATM and manually pushing themselves at least 500 metres without stopping.

“We are seeking 12 enthusiastic locals to spend a fun morning discovering Townsville by using a wheelchair, while at the same time raising funds for our Association,” he said.

“We’re sure participants will be amazed at the many intricacies of navigating the region and its facilities from this unique perspective.

“Each participant will receive a personal lesson on how to use their wheelchairs by a member of the Spinal Injuries Association prior to their departure and this person will also chaperone and set the challenges throughout the event.”

Bruce promised Take My Seat would be a memorable experience that would give participants a chance to reflect on the way people with disabilities lived their life and encouraged interested residents to phone the Spinal Injuries Association on 07 3391 2044 or email fundraising@spinal.com.au if they wanted more information or to register for the challenge.

Another major focus for the Spinal Injuries Association at the moment is the proposed NDIS.

“On 31 July the Productivity Commission will deliver its final report into an NDIS, which means we are just days away from finding out the result of a decision that has the potential to transform the lives of North Queenslanders and all Australians who have a disability,” Bruce said.

“An NDIS would signal major social reform in this country and I will be encouraging our local Association members to speak to their local MPs about why this scheme must be supported by all levels of Government.”

Following the Commission’s release of the report, the Federal Government has until December to respond to its recommendations.

“Along with other disability organisations throughout the country, the Spinal Injuries Association will be heavily advocating and lobbying the Government for the implementation of an NDIS,” Bruce said.

“The no-fault scheme would provide funding for people with a disability for personal support, therapy, aids and equipment, home modifications, and employment training.

“It would be both for people who are born with or acquire a disability during their lifetime.

“Having this scheme in place would mean peace of mind for all Australians that if you have a disability in this country you will be able to live at home, work and participate in the community.”

Prior to joining the Spinal Injuries Association, Bruce had 20 years’ experience within the human services sector, including roles as CEO of The Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland, and senior executive positions with Blue Care, Disability Services Queensland, the Department of Communities and Queensland Health.

Most recently he was the Regional Executive Director of the Brisbane Region in the Department of Communities.

Bruce’s various roles have been recognised with several awards – in 2003, he was awarded the Centenary Medal “for distinguished service to the community” and in 2007 he was awarded the Australian Defence Medal “for service in the Australian Army Reserve”.

Issued 19 July.