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Why I Joined MND NSW — A Personal Reflection from MND NSW CEO Liam O'Meara

When I stepped into the role of CEO at MND NSW, it wasn’t just a professional decision. It was deeply personal — shaped by family, loss, and a belief that we can build something stronger for people living with motor neurone disease.

A Personal Connection to MND

My family has been profoundly affected by MND. Within three years, I lost my dad and two uncles to this disease. Those years taught me about courage, care, and the quiet resilience that families draw on when life changes in ways they never expected.

I learned how to support someone when their voice fades. How to adapt when mobility shifts. How to hold onto dignity in moments that feel anything but dignified. And I learned the strength that comes from simply showing up for the people you love.

That lived experience is something I carry with me — not as a burden, but as a compass.

Why MND NSW Felt Like the Right Place

When the opportunity to lead MND NSW arose, it felt less like a career step and more like coming home.

This organisation is built on compassion and action. It’s powered by people who understand that time matters, that support matters, and that no family should navigate MND alone. I knew I wanted to be part of that — to contribute to a community that had once held my own family through its hardest moments.

What Motivates Me Every Day

Keeping People at the Centre

Every decision we make must improve the experience of people living with MND. It’s the simplest and most important measure of success.

Strengthening the Systems Around Us

Families shouldn’t have to fight for equipment, clarity, or support. We’re working to modernise how we deliver services, reduce complexity, and ensure people get what they need, when they need it.

Supporting an Exceptional Team

The staff and volunteers at MND NSW are extraordinary. My role is to empower them — to remove barriers, build connection, and create a culture where collaboration and care thrive.

Building for the Future

We’re not just responding to today’s challenges. We’re preparing for what’s ahead — strengthening our systems, investing in capability, and ensuring MND NSW remains a trusted, stable, and forward‑looking organisation for decades to come.

Looking Ahead

I joined MND NSW because I believe in what this organisation stands for — community, compassion, and unwavering support for people living with MND. This work is personal to me, and it always will be.

My hope is that through stronger systems, deeper connection, and a shared sense of purpose, we can continue to build a future where every person living with MND feels seen, supported, and valued.

 

- Liam O'Meara, CEO MND NSW

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