Hi Friends,
A Message from the CEO
It’s hard to believe how quickly the year is already gathering pace. The school holidays have come and gone, classrooms are full again, workplaces are settling back into rhythm, and across Tasmania the year is well and truly underway. I hope 2026 has begun kindly for you and your family.
At Epilepsy Tasmania, this time of year always carries a sense of renewed focus. Plans move into action, conversations begin to build, and before long our attention turns toward March — a month that holds special significance for our community.
Make March Purple is always one of the most important months on our calendar — a time when our community comes together to raise awareness, spark conversations, and remind the 5,500 Tasmanians living with epilepsy that they are not alone. In 2026, we’re inviting everyone to “Muck Up for Epilepsy” — to step outside their comfort zone, get a little messy, and stand in solidarity with those whose lives are too often disrupted, interrupted, or, as our theme says, “mucked up” by epilepsy.
It’s bold. It’s a little bit fun. And most importantly, it starts conversations.
But beyond the campaigns and events, what matters most is people.
It’s the teacher who books epilepsy training so they feel confident supporting a student.
It’s the family celebrating 1 day, 10 days, or 100 days seizure free.
It’s the person quietly navigating financial stress who reaches out for support.
It’s the pharmacy team opening their doors to help us raise awareness.
It’s you — reading this, sharing this, showing up.
Every action, no matter how small it may seem, strengthens our community.
As we move toward March, I encourage you to think about how you might get involved — whether that’s taking on the Purple Muck Challenge, hosting a fundraiser, booking training for your workplace, or simply starting a conversation about epilepsy.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Thank you for caring. And thank you for helping us ensure that in 2026, no Tasmanian faces epilepsy alone.
Warmest wishes
Paul Quilliam
CEO, Epilepsy Tasmania