Scleroderma Victoria

12/10/2026

12/10/2026

📅 Save the Date for Scleroderma Victoria’s 2026 Annual General Meeting!

Join us on Saturday 28 November for an afternoon of connection, updates and great conversations with our scleroderma community.

We’ll hear from A/Prof Wendy Stevens from the Australian Scleroderma Interest Group (ASIG) and Jan Elliott, former President of Scleroderma Victoria and a trailblazer in establishing Scleroderma Australia.

📍 Where: Bourke Room, RACV City Club, Melbourne, VIC
📅 When: Saturday 28 November 2026, 1-4 pm AEDT
🕐 Registration: From 1:00 pm

Everyone is welcome!

- FREE for financial members of Scleroderma Victoria
- $60 for non-members
- Friends and family can join as members for just $15 and attend for FREE!

We’d love to see as many of our members, friends and family there as possible. It’s a great opportunity to come together, hear from our guest speakers and connect with others in our community.

A little reminder: The AGM falls on Victorian Election Day! If you’re planning to attend, please remember to vote early or arrange a postal vote so you can make time for both.

👉 Ready to join us? Purchase your ticket today! Link in profile.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Please note that booking fees apply to tickets purchased by non-financial members.

09/10/2026

💛 What helps you conserve energy when fatigue starts to take over?

08/10/2026

People living with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) may be at higher risk of lung complications.

Lung function tests can help monitor lung health and identify signs of potential problems, including pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs) and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs).

Knowing what to expect can make the process feel a little less daunting. Here are some helpful tips to guide you through your lung function tests!

08/10/2026

Stronger support starts with the right guidance.

Scleroderma Victoria is proud to launch its new Support Group Guidelines, a practical resource to help support group leaders create safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for people affected by scleroderma.

Support groups offer more than connection. They bring people together to share lived experiences, exchange practical advice and remind one another that they’re not alone.

The new guidelines provide helpful advice on confidentiality, group participation, peer support boundaries and managing group dynamics, while recognising that every community has different needs.

A big thank you to our dedicated volunteer support group leaders who give their time and care to make these connections possible. 💛

Read the new guidelines and learn how we can continue building stronger, more supportive communities.

Download the Support Group Guidelines. Link in bio.

07/10/2026

DID YOU KNOW you can speak with emergency doctors and nurses from home?

If you’re in Victoria and need care for an urgent but non-life-threatening health concern, the Virtual Emergency Department may be an option!

You can have a video consultation using your phone, tablet or computer. The service is free and available 24/7, with no GP referral, appointment or Medicare card needed. Interpreters are also available if you prefer to speak in your own language.

The service is operated by Northern Health and supported by the Victorian Government, helping more people across Victoria access urgent care.

Swipe through to learn how it works and how to access the service.

05/10/2026

Closing soon!! Don't miss out out - grab your $10 ticket today!

🚨 Closing soon! Don’t miss your chance to support Scleroderma Australia and be in the running to win big!

Play For Purpose Raffle 33 tickets are just $10, with an incredible $350,000 First Prize Pack up for grabs - including a Lexus RX 450h+, $175,000 in gold bullion and more than $36,000 in shopping vouchers.

Best of all, 50% of every ticket purchased through Scleroderma Australia’s Play For Purpose page goes directly towards supporting our community, helping fund scleroderma nurses and specialist support across Australia.

⏰ Ticket sales close Thursday 8 October 2026 at 8 pm AEDT.

Please buy your tickets through the Scleroderma Australia page so your support goes directly to our community. Link in the comments section.

Don’t miss out - grab your $10 ticket today!

05/10/2026

Your feet deserve attention, too!

Changes to circulation, skin, joints and the protective padding under the feet can all contribute to pain, ulcers and other foot problems.

At our September Virtual Education Session, Professor Debbie Turner from Queensland University of Technology shared practical insights into caring for your feet and managing some of the challenges scleroderma can cause.

Key takeaways:

✅ Looking after your skin daily can help protect the skin barrier and reduce dryness.
✅ Emollients containing ceramides can help support dry skin, while very dry or hardened skin may benefit from urea-based products.
✅ Small foot wounds can become serious, so early attention is important.
✅ A podiatrist can help with wound care, risk assessment, foot pain, footwear and other foot-related concerns.
✅ Well-fitting footwear with a rounded toe box and appropriate support can help reduce pressure and protect your feet.
✅ Keeping your feet warm is important, particularly if Raynaud’s affects your feet. Sudden temperature changes can also trigger symptoms.
✅ The free FootHold program provides foot and ankle exercises you can do at home.
✅ New or worsening pain, wounds, colour or temperature changes, numbness or tingling are all reasons to seek professional advice.

Your feet carry you through everyday life, so giving them the right care can make a real difference to comfort and mobility.

Check out our blog post to learn more about scleroderma and the feet, and hear more insights from Professor Debbie Turner - link in the comments section.

02/10/2026

💬 What’s one question you wish you had asked when you were first diagnosed?

01/10/2026

Did you know pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) can affect the blood vessels in the lungs, making it harder for blood to flow through?

Early signs can be easy to overlook. You might notice feeling more breathless when walking up stairs or going up an incline. As PAH progresses, symptoms can include dizziness, lightheadedness or chest pain.

If you notice changes in your breathing or other symptoms, it’s worth talking to your doctor. Regular check-ups and early detection can make a real difference.