WORLD Polio Day will be celebrated by Victorian survivors of the virus at Hastings this year with the theme Stayin’ Alive.
Hastings MP Paul Mercurio will open the Polio Network Victoria event at the Sanctuary Inn On Westernport on 25 October.
“Polio Day, is an annual opportunity for survivors who met as children at various rehabilitation hospitals such as Mount Eliza, Fairfield, Lady Dugan or country centres, to catch up, and to discuss current health and management issues,” Mornington Peninsula Post-Polio Support Group convenor and PNV vice-chair Fran Henke said.
Polio epidemics affected mostly children, paralysing limbs and lungs until 1956 when the vaccine reached Victoria.
Thousands died and those who survived were now dealing with the late effects of polio or post-polio syndrome “and ignorance of it”.
“This year we are dealing again with bureaucratic battles and assistive technology. We are too old for NDIS, which cuts out at 65 years, and My Aged Care is not really designed for people with disabilities”, Henke said.
The first guest speaker will be Dr Natasha Layton on “what have human rights to do with assistive technology”.
An occupational therapist practicing, researching and teaching on assistive technology, disability, and outcomes at Monash Frankston campus, Layton has been a member of the Clinical Advisory Panel for Polio Australia, and consultant to the World Health Organisation.
The Department of Health and Aged Care’s assistant director Dion Abel, will speak on his work with local service providers identifying needs and challenges facing ageing and First Nations populations.
“The program will not all be heavy and accessible travel and a laughter workshop will lighten the load,” Henke said.
“Family, friends and carers are welcome.”
Guest speakers will be given a “special condiment” created by Benton Rise Farm, Tuerong, in locally made Boomerang bags.
“I wanted to ensure we used local products and produce to show off our wonderful home,” Henke said.
Graeme Johnson, a founding member of the peninsula group who died last year, left a bequest to the group which is helping pay for the day.
Bookings can be made through: trybooking.com/CLBIL
The $45 plus booking fee includes lunch, morning and afternoon teas.
For more details call 0423 020 407 or email: mkeystone@westnet.com.au
First published in the Western Port News – 18 October 2023