MS Advisory Council - Who We Are

The Advisory Group, a group of people with MS and their carers, got together to identify areas that we think are important to people with MS. We would like to talk to you about these issues to gain a clear understanding of what other people with MS think and would like to see happen in these areas.

We are looking to get together some sub committee groups for future projects. The idea is to reach as many people as possible. We would really love to hear from you.

Please contact us on advisorycouncil@msaustralia.org.au or Andrew Long on (03) 9845 2700.

MS Advisory Council Victoria

Jessica Ruby - Chair
Andrew White - Deputy Chair
Bushy Laid
Glynis Ford
Sally Shaw
Susan Carlon
Kate Cherry

Jessica Ruby

Jessica Ruby (Chairman) holds a bachelor of social work and has worked in such fields as advocacy, policy and direct service.

She has a keen interest in consumer participation, particularly in regards to people with MS. She has been involved with MSL for nearly 10 years in many roles.

As well as her current career development, Jessica has a diverse working background including marketing and events coordination, music performance, operations management and administration coordination, training development and delivery, and public speaking.

Andrew White

Andrew White was diagnosed with MS in 1993. He has been active with MSA as a member of the Board for the MS Society (Victoria) for two years in 2001 and 2002 and currently as a member of MSAC (Victoria) since 2005. He has also chaired Boards for the Elizabeth Institute of TAFE (SA) and the Trustee for the Holden Employees Superannuation Fund (HESF).

Andrew is a career Human Resources professional with GM Holden. He has worked with the Company in a variety of Senior HR roles in Australia and with its parent, General Motors in the USA and Asia collectively for 23 years. He is currently a Senior HR Manager with primary responsibility for Superannuation and Chair of the Trustee Board
for HESF.

Andrew is married with two daughters and in his spare time enjoys cooking, gardening, photography and
watching sport.

Glynis Ford

Glynis Ford is a past carer who ceased her caring role in 2004 when her husband passed away from the effects of MS. Glynis has over 20 years experience with MS Australia as a peer support worker, carer advocate and a facilitator of a peer support group for carers. In 2002, Glynis returned to study to achieve the qualifications she needed to enhance her volunteer work and to better equip herself to advocate for her husband and others gaining dual Diploma’s in Disability and Management.

After the passing of her husband Glynis returned to full time work in the Community Care sector using her substantial experience and knowledge base in her chosen career path and is currently the Business Manager – Home Support for St Laurence Community Services.

In 2007 Glynis was chosen as a finalist in the personal achievement section of the Inaugural National Disability Awards.

Glynis has 6 children, 12 grandchildren and has recently remarried.

Sally Shaw

Sally Shaw is a health psychologist who has worked within both clinical and health promotion settings. Having worked at MS Australia, Box Hill Hospital, and Dental Health Services Victoria, Sally holds a particular focus on the provision of information, education and support to people with chronic illness and the health professionals that work with them. Her doctoral thesis examined the need to take control while attempting to adapt to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, and highlighted the importance of being appropriately informed and supported. Sally has been invited to speak about MS at several conferences around Australia and New Zealand.

Diagnosed with MS in 2001, Sally is passionate about working with people with MS through her work as a psychologist. As a member of the MS Advisory Council, Sally is committed to providing an informed perspective on activities, projects and initiatives that impact on people with MS and their families.

Susan Carlon

Susan holds a bachelor of social work with honours and a bachelor of human services, and is currently working within the area of children and families.

Susan has an extensive history of voluntary work. As a volunteer she has worked as a Lifeline counsellor, a community centre co-ordinator, a swimming teacher and a board member of a community legal practice. Since being diagnosed with MS in 1998, she has also taken a role as a peer support worker with MS Victoria.

As well as attending university, over the past 12 years Susan has also been a partner in a busy seven day a week family retail business. Susan is married with two daughters, is a frustrated Essendon supporter, and enjoys long-distance ocean swimming and bush walking.

Kate Cherry

Kate has been working in the health care sector since 1993 and has watched groups of patients and carers advocate successfully for improved services within the public system over this time. Kate joined MSAC in 2010.
She looks forward to being part of a team that strives to understand and advocate for the diverse needs of people living with MS and their carers.