Moira, from the community of Ali Curung 170km south of Tennant Creek, has lived a life defined by resilience and determination. In July 2007, Moira’s life took an unexpected turn when a motor vehicle accident left her with multiple injuries. The traumatic brain injury (TBI) she sustained altered her life forever, resulting in significant disabilities. Before the accident, Moira lived in the heart of Alice Springs. By day she worked at the Institute of Aboriginal Development, a role that often took her interstate, spreading knowledge and fostering growth. By night, Moira dedicated herself to the Tangentyere Council, patrolling the streets as part of the night patrol team, ensuring the safety and well-being of her fellow community members. Moira is an artist at heart. She spent her free time painting, a passion that brought her immense joy and a sense of peace. Sundays were sacred to her, reserved for attending church services and connecting with her faith. The road to recovery has been long and challenging for Moira. Her journey is far from over, however the support from the MAC Scheme, she is regaining her health and independence. Her home in Palmerston is equipped with the necessary aids and equipment to support her, and she has access to health and rehabilitation services. Moira’s dream of painting with her left arm began to take shape. Slowly but surely, she started to rediscover the joy of creating art, each brushstroke a symbol of her resilience and determination. Her Sundays once again became a time of spiritual reflection and community, as she resumed attending church services.

Steven, a young man living in the Yirrkala in Northeast Arnhem Land, had his life changed forever in 1987 when he was struck by a car as a pedestrian. Steven was walking on the road at night, returning home after visiting friends when a car approached him from behind without headlights on, and the driver failed to see him. The accident resulted in major spinal injuries that left him with paraplegia. Steven lives in supported accommodation in Darwin that caters to individuals with spinal injuries and serious disabilities. The facility provides constant care for clients with high medical and nursing requirements. This year, with the support of MACC, he decided to share his story and create a campaign to educate young people, particularly those living in Arnhem Land about responsible behaviour on the roads. His campaign will emphasise the importance of pedestrian safety, always wearing a seatbelt, refraining from drinking and driving and safety on and near roads. Steven has been supported by the MAC Scheme with high quality medical and personal care for the past 36 years and will continue to receive this support for the remainder of his life. The MAC Scheme also supports Steven to maximise his independence and quality of life with supports such as his motorized wheelchair which allowed him to get out to appointments and into the community.

Jan was seriously injured by a motor vehicle accident in 1998 when the vehicle rolled, and her right arm was amputated. Since that time, Jan has used a number of prosthetic arms, however recently she decided to try something with more functionality that included a hand. Jan’s new prothesis is custom made for her and specifically designed for tropical conditions. The hand functionality is connected with electrodes using the bicep and tricep muscles to move the fingers and thumb and rotate. It has multiple functional settings, allowing the use of the index finger or thumb to point, type, grab door handles, hold bags, shake hands, open jars and perform actions useful for everyday life. Formerly a lecturer at Charles Darwin University, Jan is now retired and is writing the biography of Aboriginal rights activist Don McLeod. Jan called into the TIO office to show claims consultant Tarryn and the claims team her new prothesis which she is extremely pleased with.

James was seriously injured by a motor vehicle in 2020 resulting in paraplegia. He has been extremely motivated to return to his pre-accident work life in the NT cattle yards and is well on his way to achieving this goal. Jenny, Senior MAC Claims consultant, has been working with James to support his return to work. This includes modifications to his motor vehicle for easier wheelchair access and mobility equipment to assist with rural terrain. James was provided with a Batec electric handbike which is an add-on for manual wheelchairs, providing increased mobility and independence to navigate rural terrain. His wheelchair tyres were also upgraded so they are more resistant to punctures.  James prefers an outdoor role and has recently been appointed to a supervisory role at a mango farm close to this home.