2015 “We’re Still Here!” Campaign . . . Pollies for Polio! Thursday, 15 October
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. Each year since then we have maintained the tradition of travelling to Canberra in October to remind our local members and senators that “We’re Still Here!”.
WE ARE DOING IT AGAIN!
At 1:00 pm on Thursday 15th October, Federal Members and Senators will ‘Walk’ in support of Australia’s 400,000 Polio Survivors. Mark Coulton MP, and Senator Rachel Siewert will be leading a number of bipartisan Members, Senators, and polio survivors in Polio Australia’s Walk With Me event at Parliament House. Members, Senators and polio survivors will meet in the Marble Hall and walk, wheel, or scoot to either the Senate or the House of Representatives doors and back. A great way to recharge before heading in to Question Time!
Polio Australia’s President, polio survivor, and former Senator, Dr John Tierney OAM, contracted polio at birth. “Living with the Late Effects of Polio, I understand how the proper management of this condition can make such a difference to quality of life for others like me. At Polio Australia we have developed world class programs and resources to help polio survivors to manage their condition and be assisted by health professionals using clinical best practice. However, with our current level of resources we cannot provide this assistance on a large enough scale. As Polio Australia receives no government funding we need support for our fundraising efforts such as Walk with Me in Canberra to help more polio survivors in Australia.”, he said.