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FROM THE DESK 1 Kōrero with Trevor From the desk of our Chairperson. NEWS ROUNDUP 2 Dinosaur Mac is back! 4 Supporting Tāngata Whaikaha Māori and Disabled People Government has allocated $863.6 million to support the ministry . AGM 2023 REPORT 6 AGM election 2023 Update from our AGM held in April. FEATURES 8 I found a new home in my career Ella’s grief took her on a different path to finding her passion. 10 Paddling to gold For Gary Sin, dragon boating became his passion. 12 Thanks MDA! 14 Tripping aroundTasmania Michelle shares the story of her post- COVID adventure in Tasmania. YOUR CONDITION 17 CANVAS 19 My relief at a diagnosis PO Box 12063, Penrose, Auckland 1642, New Zealand Freephone: 0800 800 337 NZ Phone: (09) 815 0247 International prefix (00649) Editor MDANZ National Support Office info@mda.org.nz | 0800 800 337 Design The Artset | the.artset@gmail.com www.theartset.design Contributions We welcome contributions, comments and letters to the editor. We thank all contributors to this edition. Subscriptions In Touch is available free to people with neuromuscular conditions, their families, health and education professionals and other interested people. Advertising In Touch welcomes advertising enquiries. For a rate card, contact the MDANZ office. Printing Inkprint Limited www.inkprint.co.nz | 09 441 6011 The opinions and views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. All material in this magazine is copyright. You must therefore contact the editor for permission before copying or reproducing any of it. Charities Commission Registration: CC31123 ISSN 2815-9454 (Print) ISSN 2815-7826 (Online) MDANZ would like to thank the following supporters: Nick Lingard Foundation Also thanks to the ANZ Bank Staff Fund, ARA Lodge No 348 IC Charitable Trust, NZ Post Community Post, One Foundation, Richdale Charitable Trust and the Independent Living Service for their continuing support. We would also like to acknowledge our corporate sponsors: ISSUE NUMBER 120 WINTER 2023 14 8 Contents 2 10