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SPRING 2023 InTouch | 3 NEWS ROUNDUP In memoriam It is with great sadness to advise you of the passing of Alison Riseborough. Alison was a leader, influencer, and advocate. She was a public servant with 32 years of service in the Department of Labour and Ministry of Social Development prior to her retirement in 2020. Her advice was valued as she combined her lived experience as a disabled woman and her considerable knowledge of policy development and the work of Government. Alison’s commitment to better policy and services for disabled people and all New Zealanders was always evident. Alison contributed enormously to our community and in recent years has represented MDANZ within the Disabled Peoples Organisation (DPO) Coalition. In her work within the Coalition, Alison combined her experience and knowledge frommany years in public service, her commitment to the disability community, and her experience as a recipient of government-funded disability services. We mourn Alison’s passing and celebrate her life, influence, and contributions to the disability community. Alison Riseborough. Welcome Lisa! We are delighted to announce that Lisa Mora has joined MDANZ as our Canterbury/Otago and Southland Fieldworker. Lisa has a wealth of experience within the social services and is a qualified social worker. She is keen to get out in the field and meet her new members. She can be contacted at lisa.mora@mda.org.nz Welcome to the team Lisa. Lisa Mora. Thanks Jackie! Jackie Stewart, MDA South Island Branch Fieldworker, decided to retire and ended her time with us a few months ago. Jackie was a much- loved member of the team and will be missed by us and her lower South Island members. We wish Jackie all the best for the next chapter ahead. Jackie Stewart FSHMD Group Meetings If you or a family member have Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHMD), there is an online support group who meet every secondWednesday of the month on Zoom, from 7pm – 8pm. Email info@mda.org.nz for more information! Welcome back! Rachel Woodworth. We are pleased to welcome back Rachel Woodworth to the MDANZ team. Rachel will join the Northern Branch as Fieldworker to cover Michael Schneider who is on extended leave. Rachel will be covering the following areas of the Northern Region: South and East Auckland, Pukekohe, Hamilton, Thames and the Coromandel, Rotorua, Tokoroa, Tauranga and as far down as Te Awamutu / Taupo.