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Farewell, from Mary-Anne

18th December 2018

After working for the MS Society for almost 24 years, it is time for me to say goodbye and try my hand at retirement.

I feel very privileged to have had a working life that has been challenging, rewarding and surrounded by amazing people. When I arrived at the MS Society in 1995 I was given the task of establishing an employment program to help MS members find suitable work. I can remember one of the Board members telling me, “don’t find jobs, create them”, and that is what I did. That employment program grew and became Multiple Solutions, which now employs over 50 staff and currently supports 800 clients.

More recently, I have been part of the client services team, organising information sessions and connecting members through peer support groups and shared activities. I thank management for allowing me to work independently, to have the freedom to ‘think outside of the square’. This has allowed innovative solutions to employment problems and the introduction of new client activities such as cooking classes, drawing, mindfulness, travel forums, the come ‘n’ try series, exercise classes in country areas, special World MS Day events, and the return of the client Christmas lunch.

There have been many changes since 1995, and lots of fun along the way. I have helped at MS golf days; events including MS Readathon, Mighty Swim and Mud Run; sold badges; attended MS balls and musicals; walked the City-Bay and served in the MS tent afterwards; and performed staff song and dance routines at the annual client picnics, as well as preparing and serving the food. I have travelled to many of our country SA towns and to Darwin meeting members and their families.

So, I leave with great memories, strong friendships, and huge respect for members of our MS community. You are surrounded by a team of dedicated, caring staff and volunteers who share the vision of building a better future. My best wishes to you all that soon there will be a cure for MS, improved treatments, and you will all be able to ‘live the life you want to live’. Thank you for sharing your lives with me.

Mary-Anne Edge

Community Engagement Coordinator