Hello to all our supporters and readers of the Emerge Australia newsletter!
This is our second last newsletter for the year so I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has been a significant period of growth and resilience for our organisation. The Emerge Australia team has been hard at work, advancing our mission to support Australians affected by myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) through advocacy, education, biomedical research and patient support.
Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy
This year has seen us amplify your voice, by advocating for greater awareness and understanding of ME/CFS within government circles and among healthcare providers.
The landmark decision by Health Minister the Hon. Mark Butler MP to fund updating of clinical guidelines now 22 years out of date, was overwhelmingly welcomed by the entire community who had advocated so long for this work to be undertaken.
Just last week we were delighted to hold another Parliamentary Friends of ME/CFS meeting at Australian Parliament House Canberra. Attended by our Health Minister the Hon. Mark Butler MP, Dr. Mike Freelander, member for Macarthur, and of course our Chair Senator Jordon Steele-John, many MPs including Dr. Michelle Ananda-Rajah and Ms. Zoe Daniels attended among other interested MPs, several advisors and departmental officials.
The meeting was a result of collaboration between ME/CFS Australia, ME Action Network Australia, ME Group Australia, Bridges and Pathways and Emerge Australia. Designed for us all to speak with one voice to government, the voices of people with ME/CFS were front and centre through video footage and in person attendance while presentations were delivered by Mr. Alan Singh Executive Director of the NHMRC, Dr. Richard Schloeffel OAM and Professor Paul Fisher.
The meeting was facilitated by Ms. Peta Lange, Counsel for Olgilvy PR, with 40 in attendance in person and over 110 attending online.
The audience was very encouraged to hear from the Minister, Dr. Freelander and the Senator about the need for Government to do more for people with ME/CFS acknowledging that it is time for the critical issues facing our community to be addressed.
Roundtable Meeting in March
Through our roundtable Shine a light on ME/CFS and Recommendation 8 of the long COVID Inquiry, and responses to countless submissions, we’ve also raised the critical need for dedicated funding, better diagnostic guidelines, and increased training for healthcare professionals. We know these steps are essential for a healthcare environment where people with ME/CFS can feel heard and respected.
Innovative Research and Partnerships
Our partnership with research bodies continues to play a crucial role in pushing ME/CFS to the forefront of medical research in Australia. This year, we supported a number of initiatives aimed at understanding ME/CFS’s complexities, including collaborative studies that hope to uncover biomarkers and improve diagnostic tools. We believe these partnerships and all the work being undertaken in research across the country are laying the groundwork for improved treatment options in the future. It is pleasing to note that Emerge Australia’s AusME Registry and Biobank is contributing to several MRFF funded long COVID studies across the country. We now advocate for dedicated ME/CFS research funding to be allocated in the years to come.
Supporting the ME/CFS Community
One of our proudest achievements this year has been the expansion of our direct support services. We’ve enhanced our Information and Support Service, giving people with ME/CFS and their families a safe, reliable resource for guidance and information. Additionally, our online support groups have provided much-needed social connection, especially for those who struggle with the isolation that often accompanies chronic illness.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we remain committed to creating a future where people with ME/CFS have access to compassionate care and evidence-based support. We’re excited about the projects on the horizon, including new advocacy campaigns and expanded services to reach even more Australians affected by ME/CFS.
We are deeply grateful for the continued support from our community, donors, and partners, which makes all this progress possible.
Thank you for your support and belief in our mission. Together, we are making strides toward a better future for people with ME/CFS in Australia and we do urge you to support our Emerge Australia Christmas appeal to help transform the lives of those with ME/CFS in Australia.
