Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last week I had the privilege of being part of the official launch of the new massive open online course, or MOOC, developed by the University of Tasmania's Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre and MS Queensland. This MOOC focuses on motor neurone disease. It is freely available online to anyone who wants to learn more about this devastating condition. This course was built in partnership with MND organisations, clinicians, researchers and most importantly people with lived experience. That includes their families and their carers. Their insights and voices are central to this course, and that's what makes it so powerful. It covers the science of the disease, the impact it has on individuals and families, and the practical approaches to providing the best care and support. It's an incredible resource designed to be accessible, clear and compassionate.

I was proud to be part of this launch in my role as co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of MND. Every day in Australia, two people are diagnosed with MND. It's an horrific disease that changes lives in an instant. We must do everything we can to improve support, increase awareness and back the research needed to find a cure. Education is a critical part of that effort, and this MOOC will help make a real difference. I encourage all Australians—health professionals, students, carers and community members—to explore the course. You can access it through the UTAS website. Together, through knowledge and compassion, we can create a better future for people living with MND.