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 Susan Egan on (03) 9845 2794.
MS Advisory Council Victoria
Andrew White - Chair
Glynis Ford - Deputy Chair
Bushy Laid
Leanne Lampard
L.E. Ohman
Kate Cherry
Nigel Caswell
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.
Leanne Lampard
Leanne Lampard is now involved in voluntary work in palliative care and at M.S. Australia.
She was a primary school teacher.
Leanne returned to study completing a degree in Urban Studies (Town Planning), a Masters of Education
and commenced a Doctorate.
She initially had symptoms of M.S. in 1981.
Diagnosed early 90's and has been able to do most things.
Dennis is her partner. They have 2 very spoilt cats and race horses that we enjoy following around
country tracks.
Leanne enjoy reading, writing, cooking, gardening and cinema. I am also a sad cricket tragic, supporting underdog teams.
L.E. Ohman
L.E. has a background in medical research and journalism and currently works as a freelance medical writer. She was diagnosed with MS in 2001 shortly after immigrating to Australia from the US. L.E. has done a variety of volunteer work for social justice and environmental organisations, but this is her first stint as a volunteer for the MS Society (Victoria).
L.E. has met a number of lovely people on her journey with MS and looks forward to meeting many more in her MSAC role, and she is keen to use her skills to help provide better services and service delivery for PwMS.
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.
Nigel Caswell
I have had MS for more than 25 years and I have been an active client, contributor and supporter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and its successors since the 1990's. I have primary progressive MS which affects me quite severely from the waist down this reduces my mobility considerably - I use a wheel chair or a mobility scooter to get about.
I have been happily married for more than 40 years and my wife Stevie is my greatest support.
I was born in England and migrated to Australia in 1972; I trained and initially worked as an engineer but later moved to National Parks management in Victoria. Since retiring from full-time work in 2005 I have increased my voluntary work.
I am now an Ambassador and an Advocate for people living with MS; and I am the Secretary of People with MS Victoria. I am a volunteer with an emergency relief organisation the Bayside Community Information andSupport Service; I am a member of the Community Advisory Committee for Alfred Health and a member of the Alfred Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Advisory Committee.
My recreation activities include swimming, water-colour painting, Caravan touring and genealogy.