[SYDNEY, 5 March 2025] – One of Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisations is marking a “new era of neuro care and wellbeing” with the official opening of the Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre in Sydney’s west.
The Wellbeing Centre and the neighbouring Lidcombe Home, which offers long and short-term (respite) accommodation, is owned and operated by MS Plus, filling a vital gap for a growing number of people living with neurological conditions and those seeking healthy-ageing support.
MS Plus CEO, John Blewonski, said: “By offering a range of specialist services in one location, the Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre and Lidcombe Home is set to become a vital hub for the local community.
“We’ve already had many regional clients’ express interest in short-term stays to help them to access the Wellbeing Centre’s full suite of services — as it’s conveniently located just few steps away from the apartments.”
The Wellbeing Centre provides services including exercise physiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, employment support, education and peer support. All specifically tailored to the goals of people living with neurological conditions and those seeking preventative healthcare as they age.
“We know that more people are being diagnosed with a variety of neurological conditions — often lifelong and requiring ongoing care. Living with a neuro condition can mean a lot of appointments, and being able to access multiple health professionals from one familiar, welcoming place is so important for people living in Sydney,” said Mr Blewonski.
With more than 65 years of insight into MS, MS Plus is now expanding its services to other neurological conditions where these services assist and there is a gap, including Parkinsons, stroke, motor neurone disease (MND), muscular dystrophy, epilepsy and dementia.
Mr Blewonski said the precinct represented a significant step forward in providing accessible, high-quality care and fostering a sense of community.
The purpose-built, architect-designed Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre features spaces designed to enhance comfort, accessibility and specialised care, including:
- A large, accessible gym, designed specifically for neuro physiotherapy and exercise.
- Eight dedicated therapy areas, including private consultation and treatment spaces.
- A versatile multipurpose space, ideal for classes, workshops, presentations, events and group activities.
“I would like to thank our generous donors, the NSW Government and all those supporters who helped us to deliver this incredible new space,” Mr Blewonski said.
“The Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre and Lidcombe Home is truly a celebration of how collaboration and community are improving outcomes for our neuro and healthy ageing communities.”
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said: “I am delighted that MS Plus is opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art wellbeing centre, which will provide critical care and support for so many in our community.”
Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said: “The NSW Government is proud to partner with MS Plus, helping deliver this impressive precinct which will make a real difference to people's lives.
“By bringing together specialist services, accessible accommodation, and a strong network of support, it ensures more people can live independently and with dignity.”
For more information about MS Plus and the Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre, visit msplus.org.au/LidcombeWellbeing or call 1800042138.
Case Study:
Muso Chris Tantchev was diagnosed with MS at age 20 and still went on to find success as a member of hard rock bands that played at the Falls Festival in 2004, on Rove Live in 2006 and the NRL 2007 semi-final. Chris’s music still features on Triple J Unearthed.
Eventually, Chris became unable to meet the physical demands of touring and performing on stage.
Today, Chris is a regular at MS Plus Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre where he receives treatment for his condition and loves the new centre.
“The first 10 years after diagnosis, the MS didn’t really affect my day-to-day life as much. It was a bit set and forget in those early days — especially as a 20-year-old. But in the last five or six years I’ve noticed a decline in mobility and other areas, which has meant I have sought more help.”
Chris works with an exercise physiologist and a physiotherapist to make sure he can keep living well with MS. And he’s looking forward to spending time once again on his music.
“By getting back to writing and recording inspiring and motivational songs, I hope to connect with listeners on an emotional level and offer them hope and encouragement. Music has the power to bridge gaps and uplift spirits, and I intend to harness that power to create something meaningful.
“I like to think of it like, while MS may have taken a lot from me, at the same time it has also given me something back. It’s taught me about humility and acceptance and about being more open with myself and with others about what’s happening.”
Further quotes from Chris, who is available for interview.
- “Having everyone I need under the one roof is amazing. It’s a great space to meet and connect with others going through the same journey as you.”
- “I was a perfect example of someone who lived with MS for 10 years and never really utilised the services on offer and now I don’t know where I would be without it – in terms of my mobility and my self-esteem in interacting with others.”
- “It was nice to see one of the people who I’m in a peer support group with, who has a very rare neurological condition, attending the Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre as well for exercise physiology like me. We had a chance to catch up when we bumped into each other in the centre the other day and it was so nice to see someone else doing well as part of the programs MS Plus has on offer here.”
- “I’ll be at the wellbeing centre every week this year. Having the physio and EP under one roof is amazing and the new space is so lovely to be in.”
- “It’s so great to have somewhere like that to go — not only for our exercise needs each week but it’s the kind of space that you can have a chill out session afterwards, to meet and chat with others. The new space here is more conducive to connecting with others who are going through the same journey as you.”
Key Facts:
MS Plus fills gaps in health and wellbeing in Sydney's west.
Long and short term accommodation within precinct
Offers people who live outside of Sydney opportunity to have their neuro, wellbeing and health nneeds met
New purpose-buily centre is state of the art.
Contact details:
Alison Dean
0416160773
