Polio Australia is, once again, asking for polio ‘heroes’ to join us at Parliament House, Canberra on Wednesday, 29th October 2014, for Polio Awareness Month. In October 2012, 60 members of the polio community made the trip to Canberra for Polio Awareness Month – most of whom met with their local Members of Parliament to discuss the total lack of support being given to Australia’s polio survivors from the federal government.

A second campaign took place in June 2013 in the lead up to the federal government election, where we were joined by 40 passionate heroes. In spite of the fact that everyone who attended was required to arrange and pay their own way, including transport, accommodation and meals, the campaign heroes all felt they had made a definite impact on the Parliamentarians.

As is the case with politics, a lot has changed since our last visit. There is a host of new parliamentarians to inform regarding the late effects of polio, and the total lack of government funding to support programs for Australia’s 400,000 polio survivors. We also know that the NDIS will not cover people over 65 yo, and that the proposed extended roll out time for this scheme will definitely exclude most of the post-polio community. We clearly have no option but to keep fighting the good fight!

Check out the Program for the day, which includes morning tea and a complimentary buffet lunch in the Members and Guests Dining Room. We will also be launching our brand new clinical practice resource “The Late Effects of Polio: Managing Muscles and Mobility”,  focusing on physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and assistive technology – a ‘must have’ for all treating health professionals.

Another feature of this year’s campaign will be a ‘reflection’ on the “Polio Timeline“, which will be displayed in the morning tea venue.

So if you are willing and able to join us on the day, please contact Polio Australia on Ph: 03 9016 7678 or send us an email. We would be delighted to see you in Canberra!

Check our “We’re Still Here!” campaign website for more information and updates, and watch the video (9 mins 28 secs) of the polio heroes descending on Canberra in 2012.