MJD Foundation

18/05/2026

They were living with it long before it had a name. What came next, they built themselves.

Our newest feature story shares the powerful journey of families on Groote Eylandt living with Machado-Joseph Disease, and the strength, care and cultural leadership that shaped the MJD Foundation’s “Our Way” approach.

At the heart of the story is Gayangwa Lalara, a proud Warnindilyakwa woman whose family has carried this journey across generations.

This is a story about resilience, dignity, family and hope.

Read the full story on our website today. https://mjd.org.au/they-were-living-with-it-long-before-it-had-a-name-what-came-next-they-built-themselves/

The MJD Foundation supports families living with Machado-Joseph Disease and Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities.

14/05/2026

🎯 This EOFY, your donation can help make a real difference in the lives of families living with Machado-Joseph Disease. ❤️

Your support helps us provide culturally safe, practical support for families and carers — including services delivered on Country wherever possible.

Your donation will also help fund:

✨ Education and resources that empower our clients with greater confidence and independence
✨ Clinical and community services designed around what matters most to families
✨ Research partnerships that create new knowledge and pathways to improved care

Every contribution helps us continue walking alongside families and communities with care, respect, and understanding.

To learn more or donate, click on the link below.



https://mjd.supporterhub.net.au/donations/tax-appeal2026?source=fb

20/02/2026

Proud to be part of this work and deeply grateful to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation for the early seed funding that helped make it possible. That first investment unlocked national support and is driving real progress for First Nations families and people living with MJD and SCA7.

This is the power of local funding and regional research.

🚨 A $25,000 gift just unlocked $9.3 MILLION for life‑changing research in Far North Queensland.

Here’s the part that hits hard: that local seed funding helped build the critical early evidence needed to win major national grants - so researchers can keep investigating two devastating inherited neurological diseases affecting First Nations families in FNQ: Machado‑Joseph Disease (MJD) and Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 (SCA7).
These diseases cause progressive loss of muscle control, balance, and coordination due to a genetic mutation. It causes severe disability, including gait issues, speech/swallowing difficulties, and eye movement abnormalities.

Because of that first spark, regular specialist clinics in Cairns and Townsville were established - helping identify 20 extra patients across communities including Cairns, Townsville, Yarrabah, Weipa, Kowrowa, Atherton, Kuranda and Napranum… and identify 416 people at risk who now have a clearer pathway to care and answers.
And now? The work has secured three national grants totalling more than $9 million - fuel for the next five years of research and real hope for families looking for answers.
💬 One participant put it simply:
“My balance is getting worse… I really want research to find a way to slow progression.”
This is why local giving matters. One community‑backed grant became the evidence base that opened the door to national investment - right here from FNQ to the national stage.
👇 Help us keep the momentum going:

Drop a ❤️ if you believe regional research can change lives.
Comment “HOPE” to show support for families with MJD & SCA7.
Share this post so more people understand what a “small” grant can do.
If you’d like to back the next breakthrough, donate here: https://www.fnqhf.org.au/donate/
👀Read the full story at our link below.


MJD Foundation Garvan Institute of Medical Research Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service National Health and Medical Research Council - NHMRC Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre Matt Smith MP

19/12/2025

As the year draws to a close, we’re reflecting on the many big things our teams and partners have achieved together. One of the most rewarding is supporting clients to return home.

Last month, Bronwyn - known as “Bowey” - made the journey back to Ngukurr. With the support of Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, the MJD Foundation and her SIL provider, Bowey created cherished memories and reconnected with Country, culture and kin during her trip.

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who walked alongside Bowey and her family to make this possible. When we work together, homecoming is more than a destination—it’s healing, belonging and strength.

10/12/2025

🌟 Our 2024–25 Impact Report is here! 🌟

This year, we:
✅ Delivered 600+ hours of therapy
✅ Expanded our Ataxia Clinics to 10 regional and remote communities
✅ Hosted our largest-ever research conference

Together, we’re creating hope for Aboriginal families living with MJD and SCA7 across remote communities in NT and FNQ.

📖 Read the report: https://mjd.org.au/reports/2024-2025-annual-impact-report/
💙 Donate or fundraise: https://mjd.org.au/fundraise/

17/09/2025

🌟 Ngukurr Client Wellbeing Centre – Now Open! 🌟

This week our CEO had the privilege of visiting Ngukurr to see our brand new Client Wellbeing Centre, which has officially opened its doors! This marks the end of a journey that began in 2022, when the MJD Foundation identified Ngukurr as a priority location due to the high number of at-risk clients in the region.

This centre is more than just a building – it’s a safe, welcoming space designed to support and uplift our clients and their families. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when community, purpose, and partnership come together.

🙏 Thank you to our incredible funders who made this possible:

Aboriginal Investment NT
Northern Territory Government
Australian Government Stronger Communities Programme
And a generous anonymous donor

👏 A huge shoutout to our dedicated staff who coordinated the procurement and logistics – your behind-the-scenes work has been vital to bringing this vision to life.

💛 And to Mel, Terence and the girls – thank you for your unwavering commitment to living and working in Ngukurr. Your presence and passion are already making a difference.

We look forward to holding an official opening ceremony once our clients – our family – choose a name that reflects the spirit and purpose of this special place.

04/09/2025

Have you registered for this year's Walk for a Cure? Don't miss out on your opportunity to support MJD research and get a drink bottle to show off to your friends.

Early bird registrations close tomorrow, Friday 5 September.

👟 Will you be joining the walk or coming along to our Post-Walk Community Event? Don’t forget to register!

👉 Why register?
Even if you’re just attending the community event, your registration helps us plan catering, activities, and ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

✨ Post-Walk Community Event – $20 per person (non-walkers only)
🎶 Live music
🌭 Sausage sizzle
🎉 Games & fun for all ages

✨ Walk Registration
• $100 per person
• Kids 15 & under walk FREE

🎁 Early Bird Bonus: Register by Friday 5 September and receive a FREE MJD Walk for a Cure drink bottle! (With paid registrations only)

🎟️ All walk registrations include:
✔️ Bus to your start location
✔️ Hydration stations & snacks along the trail
✔️ Entry to our post-walk community event

💙 Together, every step brings us closer to a cure.

Register now: 👉 www.mjdwalkforacure.com

🙌 Awareness starts with you — please share this post to spread the word!

01/09/2025

🌿 Honouring Legacies of Love and Generosity 🌿

This week, we celebrate the incredible generosity of Australians who choose to leave a gift in their Will to a charity close to their heart.

At the MJD Foundation, we are deeply moved by those who include us in their legacy. These bequests help us continue our vital work supporting Aboriginal families living with Machado-Joseph Disease—now and into the future.

Every bequest—large or small—makes a lasting impact. It’s a way to ensure your values live on and to support future generations in a truly meaningful way.

If you’re considering leaving a legacy of hope, we invite you to learn more about how to include the MJD Foundation in your Will. 💙

📘 Download our Bequest Brochure here:
👉https://mjd.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bequest-Brochure-Updated-2025.pdf

Together, we can build a future of dignity and strength.

t

29/08/2025

✨ Lead with purpose 🧭Drive innovation 💡Honour culture🤝🏽

The MJD Foundation is seeking a strategic and innovative leader to guide our Community Services and NDIS teams. Our Director Community Services is not just another executive role — it’s an opportunity to shape life-changing services for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander families living with Machado Joseph Disease (MJD) and Spinocerebellar Ataxia 7 (SCA7).

You’ll lead a dispersed, multidisciplinary team, drive program co-design with Aboriginal communities, and ensure services are delivered in culturally safe, person- and family-centred ways.

We offer above-award salary, generous salary packaging, six weeks annual leave, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.

Apply now and help families stay stronger for longer.

Work for Us The MJD Foundation partners with and supports Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander families living with Machado Joseph Disease (MJD) and Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 (SCA7) to live fulfilling and rewarding lives. We provide specialist supports, engage in research and provide hope for the...