Older Queenslanders living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and neurological conditions like motor neurone disease (MND), dementia, epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease have been receiving free, life-changing allied health support thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Eastern Star Foundation—its largest single grant awarded in 2025. Members of the Foundation’s Board recently visited MS Queensland’s Milton Neuro Wellness Hub to see firsthand how the funding is transforming the lives of people aged over 65 who are living with MS and other neurological conditions.
The grant supports MS Queensland’s Over 65 Allied Health and Community Engagement Pilot Program, which provides free physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, and social work services. These services are delivered through MS Queensland’s Neuro Wellness Hubs located in Milton, Springfield, Toowoomba, and the Sunshine Coast. Each hub is purpose-built to include advanced therapy equipment, exercise facilities, and community engagement spaces designed to promote both physical wellbeing and social connection.
Since the pilot commenced, the Program has already delivered significant outcomes. Fifty older Queenslanders have accessed allied health services they otherwise would not have been able to afford, with each participant receiving an average of eight appointments to ensure continuity of care. A total of 260 one-on-one appointments have been delivered so far, with a further 151 appointments already booked through to June, demonstrating strong and ongoing demand.
While the Program is designed for people living with MS, it has also supported individuals with other neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN). This reflects the broader need for accessible neurological support services, particularly as one in four Queenslanders now lives with a neurological condition. Many of these conditions share similar symptoms and support needs, and the pilot Program is demonstrating how targeted allied health services can improve mobility, independence, and social connection for older people navigating complex health challenges.
The Eastern Star Foundation’s Chair, Nigel Faull, said that support for MS Queensland formed part of the Foundation’s 2025 grant round and its largest grant round ever, with more than $441,000 awarded to eight charities dedicated to improving the lives of older Queenslanders.
“We are proud to have supported such a worthy cause, and it was wonderful to see how the grant is changing lives for more older Queenslanders,” said Mr Faull.
