Brainwaves e-News, 75 2026

Dear Friends

Momentum, Visibility and a Critical Opportunity for Change

As we move beyond the halfway mark of March, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible energy and visibility we’ve seen so far throughout March – Make March Purple (MMP).

Across Tasmania and beyond, we’ve seen and will continue to see landmarks illuminated in purple, communities coming together at local events, and individuals proudly sharing their stories and support. These moments matter. They spark conversations, challenge stigma, and remind people living with epilepsy that they are not alone.

To everyone who has hosted, attended, donated, or simply worn purple—thank you. Your efforts are helping us build a stronger, more visible epilepsy community.

There’s still time to get involved. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to support our work by contributing to our fundraising efforts. Every donation helps us continue providing vital services, education, and advocacy for Tasmanians living with and affected by epilepsy.

If you are also doing a fundraising event next week, or doing a Muck Challenge on World Purple Day 26^th March, consider creating a fundraising page that you can share with your network. Check out https://www.makemarchpurple.org.au/event/tas to register.

A Defining Moment: Senate Inquiry into Epilepsy

Alongside the momentum of MMP, we are also at a pivotal moment for our sector.

The Senate Inquiry into epilepsy represents a significant and rare opportunity to elevate the voices of people living with epilepsy, their families, carers, and the organisations that support them. This inquiry has the potential to shape national understanding, policy, and investment in epilepsy care and support for years to come.

It is critical that we, as a sector, show up strongly.

We are particularly hopeful to see a high volume of submissions from organisations, as well as individuals with lived experience. Every submission adds weight to the case for meaningful change—whether that’s improved access to services, better awareness, or stronger systemic support.

If you’re considering making a submission, now is the time.  While the deadline is May 15^th, it’s a chance to answer your questions and give you plenty of time to tell your story and for your voice to be heard.

The following link with take you to the Terms of Reference for the Senate Inquiry https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/EpilepsyinAustralia

To support our community, in coming weeks we will be hosting online information sessions to guide you through the submission process, including what to include, how to structure your response, and how to ensure your voice is heard:

This is a moment where awareness and advocacy come together. Through MMP, we are making epilepsy visible. Through the Senate Inquiry, we have the chance to turn that visibility into lasting change.

Thank you for being part of both.