Bundaberg’s fig trees are glowing purple to raise awareness for 30,000 Queenslanders currently living with epilepsy.
The lights on the Multiplex fig trees are purple in support of Epilepsy Queensland to raise awareness for Make March Purple.
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey said the community could help support Epilepsy Queensland’s Make March Purple during epilepsy awareness month.
“Every 33 minutes an Australian life is impacted by an epilepsy diagnosis,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“By lighting up our historic fig trees purple it shows our Council and community are prepared to help spread the message and raise awareness for one of the world’s most common neurological conditions.”
Globally, more than 65 million people live with epilepsy and in Queensland, 30,000 people are currently living with this diagnosis.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes unpredictable seizures, which can negatively impact a person’s employment, education, relationships, social participation and daily life.
Epilepsy Queensland Chief Executive Chris Dougherty said the funds raised during March contributed to free education sessions to help families understand and manage epilepsy.
“We have been working in the community for over 50 years to help people live well with epilepsy,” Chris said.
“We are there for the 3000 newly diagnosed Queenslanders each year whose lives are turned upside down by this challenging and unpredictable condition.
“We help turn things around by providing information, education, and comprehensive support to help reduce the daily impacts of epilepsy.
“We do this so people with epilepsy and their families can get the most out of life.”
Chris said epilepsy was not just seizures, and it could present challenges to employment, education, relationships, and social participation.
Every 33 minutes an Australian will have their life turned upside down by an epilepsy diagnosis and, in that moment Chris said Epilepsy Queensland were there with understanding, information, and support to help turn things around.
“Our epilepsy educators deliver free education sessions for newly diagnosed people and their immediate families, so they can better understand and manage their condition,” Chris said.
“We also train employers, schools, education centres, allied health and disability organisations in seizure first aid and how to be epilepsy smart.
“We aim to create a world where epilepsy is understood, barriers are broken down, stigma is smashed and the 30,000 Queenslanders living with this common neurological condition can participate safely and fully in life, education, and the workplace.”
Bundaberg’s Multiplex fig trees will glow purple until 27 March to in support of Epilepsy Queensland to raise awareness for Make March Purple.
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