Hi Everyone.
The current edition of our “Articles and Items” listing has been added to the PPV web page.
To access, simply go to the PPV web page and select the link at the Very Top of the home page.
Carol Francis
Polio and Ageing Related Articles and Items – 07 November 2025
October 2025
Information Bulletin – 28 October 2025
Following consideration at the recent PPV board meeting, it has been decided it is necessary to shift the date of the 24th Annual General Meeting 2025 to 08 December 2025 at 7.00pm (AEDT).
Reminder – NDIS Survey
As part of the advocacy work undertaken by Post Polio Victoria we are seeking to identify the number of Polio survivors who are being supported by the NDIS or MyAgedCare: Support at Home Benefits. This information is vital in providing a sound basis for our ongoing interaction with Federal and State Politicians in order to ensure that we advocate for the most appropriate support services for Polio survivors. Your timely responses to this survey would be most appreciated. Please fill out this survey here and return to us by COB, 29th October 2025.
Information Bulletin – 21 October 2025
This email is to let you know that as of today we have set up an “articles and items” page as part of the PPV webpage, which is available for your use.
To access this first version, simply go to the PPV web page and select the link at the Very Top of the home page.
NDIS Survey
As part of the advocacy work undertaken by Post Polio Victoria we are seeking to identify the number of Polio survivors who are being supported by the NDIS or MyAgedCare: Support at Home Benefits. This information is vital in providing a sound basis for our ongoing interaction with Federal and State Politicians in order to ensure that we advocate for the most appropriate support services for Polio survivors. Your timely responses to this survey would be most appreciated. Please fill out this survey here and return to us by COB, 29th October 2025.
Spring Edition 2025 Newsletter – Out Now
What’s in our Spring Edition 2025 Newsletter
- Vice President’s Report – Since the last newsletter much has been happening in the world of ageing and disability. As you may know, from the news, the federal government is making many changes to both NDIS and My Aged Care
- PPV Annual General Meeting – Monday 17th November 2025 online -If you are interested in being a part of this please contact us at this email address: admin@nullpostpoliovictoria.org.au to be placed on the list of attendees. Before the meeting we will send you an email with the necessary Zoom link and timing details.
- Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) Conference – July 2025 -Attended by Robyn Abrahams, Vice President, PPV – Report on my trip to Canberra for the AFDO Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, of which PPV is an affiliate member.
- Meeting with Matt Gregg: Federal Member for Deakin – On Monday September 8th – it was our very great pleasure to meet with Matt Gregg, Member for Deakin at his offices in Mitcham. We spent a very pleasant 45 minutes with him discussing the historical context of Poliomyelitis in Australia, identifying the “conditioning” of the affected children to “not be lazy” with the resultant observation by a health professional, well acquainted with polio survivors, that they are “driven”.
- PPV Contributes to the Training of Future Orthotic and Prosthetic Clinicians – During August, PPV Board members Robyn Abrahams, Heather Pisani and Jeff. Stewart, along with Polio Australia representative Michael Jackson took part in an online session hosted by Latrobe University involving Second year students studying to become qualified as allied health clinicians in the fields of Orthotics and Prosthetics
- Afternoon Celebration of Peninsula Health’s Values Awards for Staff – It was a very great pleasure to be invited to Peninsula Health’s award ceremony celebrating the staff who have exemplified the values of the health service by their actions. The afternoon allowed for pre- ceremony mingling over sandwiches and coffee and provided an opportunity for discussion about PPV and the role it plays for advocacy in the post-polio and late effects of polio space.
Information Bulletin – 25 August 2025
- Our newsletters will now be quarterly – Hi Folks. Just a quick update to let you know that PPV has decided to change to Quarterly newsletters rather than Monthly. This will start in September, with the SPRING edition
- Polio Day 2025 – 22 October 2025, from 10.30-3.00pm At Quality Hotel Lakeside, 286 Napier Street, Bendigo, 3350
July 2025 Newsletter
What’s in our July 2025 Newsletter
- Vice President’s Report – I will be representing PPV in Canberra in a couple of weeks for a meeting at the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) conference, where hopefully it will be possible to catch up with politicians and others involved in Aged Care planning. Also, as part of the older person’s reference group (OPRG) of OPAN I am also meeting with them in early August to advocate for solutions to problems relating to both ageing in general and Polio issues in particular. I am currently working with Monash Uni on dementia research and NARI and AAG with several pieces of work related to ageing all of which I will let you know about when I can share.
- Polio Day 2025 Initial Advice – Planning is underway by Polio Network Victoria to recognise and acknowledge Polio Day 2025 in the form of a gathering on October 22nd to be held in Bendigo.
- Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) – Residential Aged Care costs and fees webinar
June 2025 Newsletter
What’s in our June 2025 Newsletter
- Vice President’s Report – I was waiting to see if I could give you any information on “My Aged Care” and the holding off of the July 1st start, but sadly I do not have any more information than previously. As best as we can understand from government, it is on hold until November with much review on the implementation strategies for providers.
- PPV New Patron – Dr Stephen de Graaff – Is a Past President of the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (Royal Australasian College of Physicians). He is Director of Pain Services and Senior Rehabilitation Physician at Epworth Healthcare. He is a Fellow of the AFRM (RACP) and a Founding Member of the Rehabilitation Society of Australia and New Zealand (RMSANZ).
- Federal Cross Bench – Call for More Aged Care Packages Sooner, Rather than Waiting Until November for Action.
Information Bulletin – 05 June 2025
Aged Care Alert – New Aged Care Act implementation update
The Australian Government has announced that the new Aged Care Act 2024 will be briefly deferred. The government will recommend to the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, that she proclaim the commencement of the new Act to be to 1 November 2025.
Read about the announcement here…
May 2025 Newsletter
What’s in our May 2025 Newsletter
- Vice President’s Report – We are a week after the election surprises and changes just around the corner, and only weeks away from the introduction of the new My Aged Care. Where will that take us? It would seem that the role of this is going to be problematic, as much is still poorly understood. I attended the Invox conference recently designed to inform providers of the upcoming changes over two days. The overwhelming feedback was that most involved are largely still not certain. Many things yet to be implemented are still under consideration.
- Letter to Mr Sam Rae MP Aged Care Minister, Rebecca White MP Asst. Minister for Health & Aged Care, Indigenous Health & Women. CC: Mark Buttler MP Minister for Health and Aged Care
- PPV Community Engagement – The Lions Club: Box Hill Branch – On the 15th of March PPV was invited to be the community representative on the judging panel for the Lions Club Youth of the Year regional event. This was a most interesting evening, meeting four very impressive young people with a demonstrated commitment to community service.
April 2025 Newsletter
What’s in our April 2025 Newsletter
- Vice President’s Report – In advocacy terms. We are busy speaking to politicians endlessly and trying to get our message across at a particularly important time given the election in a few weeks. If you have any contacts or any ability to speak to your politicians, please do so as this is especially important. This is another big chance to get a message across to our politicians of the plight of the disabled aged. You will find some contact details to send your feedback to in this newsletter.
- 70th Anniversary of the First Polio Vaccine – 12 April 2025 marked the 70th Anniversary of the announcement and licensing of the first Polio vaccine as researched by Jonas Salk.
- Polio Network Victoria – Polio Perspectives – Autumn 2025
March 2025 Newsletter
What’s in our March 2025 Newsletter
- Vice President’s Report – Hello everybody, I trust this finds you all safe and well. We at PPV have been busy as usual. As you will be aware, Australia has a looming Federal election. This makes our Advocacy work even more important, and very busy. Talking to politicians is always difficult, but especially so when they are this focussed.
- Polio Australia – Polio Oz News – Volume 15 – 2025
- Aged Care Alert – Things your provider needs to be doing to prepare for Emergency Events
- Safe Transport Victoria – Empower your community to travel safety in taxis and rideshares
Information Bulletin-27 February 2025
- The Future of the NDIS with Minister Amanda Rishworth – Saturday, 8th of March 2025, 3-4.30pm
- Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) workshop – 24th of March 2025, 9.30am to 1.00pm
February 2025 Newsletter
What’s in our February 2025 Newsletter
- Vice President’s Report – Hello to all our readership, I hope this newsletter finds you safe and well. You may be like me, in that you are finding it difficult to believe we have almost completed February 2025. Do you remember Grandparents telling you that as you age life seems to pass more quickly? Well, here is the tip “they were right” AGAIN.
- Post Polio Victoria Represented at the Mooney Valley Council Disability Week Forum – Peter Freckleton and Robyn Abrahams attended. Peter spoke along with other attendees with other disabilities about local issues related to the complexities of the law and disability, and moreover the care and safety needs particularly of the physically disabled.
- Breaking News – New NDIS Minister – NDIS Minister Bill Shorten will step down from his position on Monday 20th, nine days ahead of schedule. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Amanda Rishworth will take over as NDIS Minister.
December 2024 Newsletter
What’s in our December 2024 Newsletter
- President’s Report –Merry Christmas one and all! I was honoured to be voted in as president of PPV, although deeply conscious that I can in no sense emulate the stellar presidency so ably conducted by Shirley.
- Polio Oz News – Volume 14 – 2024
- Health and Aged Care Update
November 2024 Newsletter
What’s in our November 2024 Newsletter
- Last chance to register for the Annual General Meeting, 26 November 2024, 7.00pm (AEDT), register before by 5pm, 26 November 2024 (AEDT)
- Our own Robyn Abraham and Susan Shaab attended the Four days Ageing Gracefully conference in Hobart – 12th – 15th November 2024
- International Day of People with Disability 2024, Sunday, 01 December 2024, 2.00 to 4.00pm, Village Cinemas, Airport West, 8 Louis St, Airport West
2023-2024 Annual Report
October 2024 Newsletter
What’s in our October 2024 Newsletter
- President’s Report – October is traditionally Polio Awareness Month. This year, I was honoured to introduce the annual ‘paws for polio walk’, a significant event that brought our community together to raise awareness. The event, organised by the Rotary Passport Club of Melbourne and joined by Mayor Fiona Stilwell from Bayside Council, was a testament to our collective commitment to the cause.
- Call for Expressions of Interest for Possible PPV Board Membership – With the next Post Polio Victoria (PPV) Annual General Meeting due to be held on November 26th the PPV Board invites expressions of Interest from PPV members for possible membership of the Board for 2025 going forward. As we approach the end of the 2024 calendar year there are Two vacant positions.
Information Bulletin – 17 October 2024
September 2024 Newsletter
What’s in our September 2024 Newsletter
- President’s report – It has been a busy couple of months. In early August, speaking engagements were carried out with two lovely groups: the Probus Group of Mt Waverley and the Salvation Army in Glen Waverley. Robyn and I were honoured to meet with Nick McGowan, a Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly representing the North-Eastern Metropolitan area
- Polio Australia – Awareness October 2024
- Paws for Polio Walk – 06 October 2024 – 10.00am — 12.30pm
- Polio Day – 23 October 2024 – 10.00am to 3.00pm
Information Bulletin – 06 September 2024
Breaking News – Former Labor leader Bill Shorten to retire from politics to take top job at University of Canberra – as you may or may not know, NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has announced his retirement from Federal Politics. He will officially retire in February 2025.
Polio Australia – Polio Oz News – Spring 2024
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) – The National Advocate – August Newsletter
Push Mobility – August Newsletter
August 2024 Newsletter
What is in our August 2024 newsletter
- ‘Nothing inventive about it’: Polio survivor’s idea to fix station access – Our own polio survivor, Jeff Stewart knows how difficult it can be to get from one platform to another at the Ballarat Train Station
- Polio Day 2024 – 23 October 2024 – 10am to 3pm – Seaview, 71 Morris Street, Williamstown 3016
- Case Study of Obtaining Orthotic Devices Through Home Care Package Funding – This description of difficulties experienced by a Polio Survivor when seeking to obtain funding through a Home Care Package for a Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) is provided by an Orthotist at a Melbourne Orthotics and Prosthetics practice.
Polio SA Autumn Newsletter
A note from our President, Good day members of Polio SA,
Well winter is almost over they tell me, but I for one am still feeling the cold, the most I can remember, as I mentioned in my last letter, even wore socks to bed a couple of times …gee !!!
Information Bulletin 06 August 2024
People with Disability Australia (PDWA) Survey
PWDA alongside other disability rights organisations have been campaigning to improve disaster and emergency responses for people with disability.
We are currently asking our members to share their experiences and understanding on disaster preparedness by completing the survey now
Due to the extensive coverage of People with Disability Australia (PWDA) following the release of federal, state and territory government responses to the Disability Royal Commission only a selection of articles have been included.
July 2024 Newsletter – Out now
What’s in our July 2024 Newsletter
- President’s Message -Since our last newsletter, Robyn and I have attended the ARIIA (Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia) Conference. This year’s theme was “Living Well, Ageing Well, Dying Well.” The conference lasted two full days and featured speakers covering various topics.
- Sister Kenny Polio Timeline Exhibit Unveiling – Queensland – Opening 16th August at 2.00 pm – Polio Australia would like to inform you about the upcoming opening of the Sister Kenny Timeline Exhibit at the Sr Kenny Museum. The hosts and museum curators Tricia and Tony Wallen would be delighted to have members of the post-polio community attend this special occasion. Please share this event information with your network.
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Maggie Beer’s aged care crusade hits the screen -THE inspirational Maggie Beer’s crusade to improve the food and nutrition in Australia’s aged care sector hits TV screens this month with Maggie Beer’s Big Mission – a three-part series premiering on Tuesday 9 July on ABC TV.
Information Bulletin – 12 July 2024
Please consider filling out following survey from Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts by 02 August 2024 – 5pm AES
The Department has identified there’s low public awareness of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards) among people with disability.
Awareness of the Transport Standards is important so people with disability are aware of their rights and what to expect when accessing public transport in Australia.
June 2024 Newsletter
What’s in our June 2024 Newsletter?
- President’s Message – Robyn & I had the privilege of attending the National Summit on Neurological Conditions at Parliament House Canberra, a significant event organised by the Neurological Alliance Australia (NAA). This summit was a crucial platform for us to stay informed and involved in the advocacy efforts for neurological conditions.
- Polio Survivor and Paralympian, Brian McNicholl’s OAM, Early Polio Story -Brian’s life has been full of competition and energy, despite the need to overcome his early Polio experience. This is his story and a description by his Mother of the early Polio years
- Passing of Donald Sutherland – Donald McNichol Sutherland was born on 17 July 1935, in Saint John, New Brunswick and passed away 20 June 2024 . As a child, Sutherland suffered from multiple diseases, including hepatitis, rheumatic fever and polio.
Information Bulletin – 06 June 2024
Whats in our Information Bulletin – 06 June 2024?
13th June 2024 – 9.30 to 12.30pm, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne
The Warm Safe Home project campaign launch and exhibition. Please refer to our Events page for more information.
22nd June 2024 – 11.00am, Meet Wilson Ave/Sydney Rd open space, opposite Barkly Square, BRUNSWICK
Permanent Accessible Tram Stops on Sydney Road. Please refer to our Events page for more information. Please refer to our Events page for more information
- Please sign the following petitions:
EN6225 :- Support at Home: Exclusions requested by Peter Willcocks
EN6242 :- Support at Home: Choice requested by Paul Absalom
- Donations – please help keep our Advocacy Work alive and can make a real difference to our voice being heard. Please donate here
May 2024 Bulletin – Out Now
- Whats in our May 2024 Issue?
- Minister Bill Shorten is presenting his intent to change the NDIS Act, which is debated in the Upper and Lower House this week. Whatever the outcome, it will greatly impact all polio survivors, our state Government, and My Aged Care. More troubles = more advocacy.
- Global Accessibility Awareness Day – Was on Thursday, May 16, 2024, marked the 13th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), and it doesn’t need to end there. Please join us to continue to spread awareness. The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access/inclusion and people with different disabilities.
- How to reduce your income tax with donations. You can claim a tax deduction for donations of $2 or more, as long as these donations are made to an organisation that has been endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as a deductible gift recipient (DGR). Post Polio VIC, is a registered charity, sub-type Health and Wellbeing, and has DGR status so your donation will be tax deductible.
April 2024 Bulletin – Out Now
Whats in our April 2024 Issue?
- Friendly Reminder to book your flu vaccination – Some people are more at risk of complications from the flu and are eligible for the free flu vaccine. You can get a flu vaccine from your GP, local council immunisation service, or local pharmacist immuniser.
- Given mother’s day is soon, following are some Committee members polio stories from their mothers. Susan Shaab – Polio rehabilitation from a Northcote barber’s shop.
- My Son…Jeff Stewart 1952… Polio by Joan Stewart. A toddler 1 year, 11 months, fit and healthy, full of mischief to a toddler with a limp. My son was diagnosed with polio.
- Read more here
‘Nothing inventive about it’: Polio survivor’s idea to fix station access. Article published in the Ballarat Courier, 11th August, 2024: By Nieve Walton
Our own polio survivor, Jeff Stewart knows how difficult it can be to get from one platform to another at the Ballarat Train Station.
Especially if the train is not at a platform you expect, which has caused Mr Stewart to miss his train on multiple occasions.
He was an electrical engineer before retiring and has lived in Ballarat for most of his life.
Mr Stewart is frustrated the proposed overpass for the station is a significant walk from the main buildings.
UN asked to rule on whether NDIS age cap is a human rights breach – 02 November 2023
Our own, Dr Peter Freckleton, an Australian with a severe and permanent disability, is alleging the Australian Government is discriminating against him by denying him access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) because of his age.
In a complaint to the UN, Dr Freckleton says this breaches his fundamental right to protection from discrimination under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.