SPINAL Cord Injuries Australia Advocacy Advisory Group’s Moree peer leader for the New England area, Tanya Fitch, has been nominated for the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, in recognition of her invaluable contribution to Spinal Cord Injuries Australia.
Ms Fitch earlier this year established a new initiative in the Moree area for people with spinal cord injury or neurological disabilities.
SCIA formed local community networks for affected families, parents, friends and carers to connect, with Ms Fitch heading up the Moree group, which meets regularly at Moree Services Club.
There is a meeting scheduled today at 11am.
Ms Fitch said she enjoys being a volunteer Advocacy Advisory Group member.
“SCIA drives positive change through thoughtful initiatives, innovative programs, and vital services,” Ms Fitch said.
“The Advocacy Advisory Group adds unique value by providing feedback and practical suggestions, especially from members with lived experience.
“This collaboration helps SCIA refine its offerings, keeping them relevant to real-world needs and fostering ongoing improvement,” she said.
“Being retired from the workforce, I still have a need for helping others and volunteering is a way I can do this.
“When someone chooses to devote their time, energy, and skills to a cause without expectation of material compensation, their commitment is rarely superficial.
“Instead, this form of engagement is fuelled by a sense of purpose and identity, drawing on profound emotional and intellectual reserves,” she said.
“The act of giving time and effort freely fosters a sense of gratitude, empathy, and connection. It builds networks that are grounded in shared purpose, not just professional advancement,” she said.
Tanya Fitch has been nominated for the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, in recognition of her invaluable contribution to SCIA.
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards not only recognise and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of volunteers, but also highlight the essential role volunteers play in the not-for-profit sector that helps build social capital and community engagement.
Nine Advocacy Advisory Group volunteers are providing lived experience and advice on existing and new advocacy priorities and initiatives.
Through the creation of statewide Advocacy Community Networks, they have made it possible for SCIA to engage with spinal cord injury and neurological condition communities at local, grass-roots level across New South Wales.
World Spinal Cord Injury Day was observed yesterday, September 5.
This year’s theme, Fall Prevention, Spinal Cord Protection, shines a spotlight on one of the most critical, yet preventable, risks for people living with spinal cord injuries.
Spinal cord injuries are a life-altering and significant health issue in Australia.
They affect more than 20,000 individuals and their families. Though medical research and technological advances have improved care and outcomes, there is an ongoing need to raise awareness about spinal cord injuries.
The New England Advocacy Community Network group in Moree will host a get-together at Moree Services Club today.
“We welcome anyone in the New England area who wants to come along to meet and interact with others who have spinal cord injury or neurological disabilities,” Ms Fitch said.
“Our chats are informal and held in safe spaces, with casual and relaxed settings,” she said.
New England Advocacy Community Network Moree Get-Together
When: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Where: Albies Room at Moree Services Club
Time: 11am until 2pm
Further information: Contact Tanya on 0408 448840
Book: New England Advocacy Community Network Moree Get-Together September 6
