OUR Ambassadors
Muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular conditions are rare, which means growing awareness is a difficult (but very important) task.
That’s is where our Ambassadors step in. They help us, via their professional skills and networks, to increase people’s knowledge of MD & NMCs and our organisation and they also help out with raising money at our fundraising events. And where they can, they advocate for us in the media. You can read about these wonderful people here or get to know them at one of our events.
SIMON BEAUMONT
Simon Beaumont is our longest standing Ambassador and his contribution to Neuromuscular WA is immeasurable. He’s our go-to MC for all of our events and he not only provides entertainment, but relays our message with conviction. No one leaves without feeling impacted by our cause.
Simon hosted his first Neuromuscular WA event in 2014 and hasn’t stopped since, with an honour roll including our Truffles for Muscles auction, Toyota Golf Classic, Marquee Day, Kailis Club auction and Carols at Scarborough. His ability to read the room and advocate for us is second to none, with his work alongside auctioneer Tiny Holly being vital to the success of so many events.
In a time when there are few remaining raconteurs in Perth, Simon combines that dying art with a deep appreciation of muscular dystrophy, which grew after hands-on physio work helping boys with Duchenne MD at Rocky Bay Village early on in his career.
After getting to know Neuromuscular WA and understanding our mission and values, Simon has taken the time to familiarise himself with our community and continues to spread the word of muscular dystrophy and our organisation.
Even with a schedule that is often jam-packed with sporting MC commitments or spending time with his family, he still manages to put Neuromuscular WA at the top of his list. Keep your eyes peeled for him at one of our fundraising events and make sure you say hello – he loves a chat.
Ross Wallman
You may have heard of Ross Wallman before… if not, you’ve probably heard his voice before. He’s a regular NOVA 93.7 announcer and also the guy who’s dulcet tones you’ll hear when you’re on hold on our office phone line.
Ross joined our ranks as an Ambassador in June 2018 after being involved with us since early 2017 through the Hale Mates program. An ex Hale School graduate himself, he has injected his cheery personality into the program, acting as a mentor and facilitator for the group – making all the kids feel at ease and included. In fact, he was one of the co-founders of the program.
Ross uses his strong social media presence to raise our profile and MCs at an event or two for us as well. He once donated a limo ride to some people in our community and often makes an appearance at our events as a special guest or an extra set of hands.
We love having him around and we know his new son Olly will take after his dad in being an all-around great human.
MATT HADDON
Matt is our youngest ambassador, but also one of our most involved. In the short time he has been part of our community he has made a large impact on his own through various initiatives, including co-founding the Hale Mates program with fellow Ambassador Ross. Matt is an ex-Hale School graduate and is currently studying physio at Curtin University.
He initiated the Hale Mates program when he saw a need for Year 11 Hale students (at an age where they have so much to learn about the world and people living with conditions that affect them physically) to be part of something more and to learn and appreciate the additional challenges that some people face. He also knew how important it was for adolescents in the Neuromuscular WA community to be socially engaged and form meaningful connections with people from all walks of life. Matt still attends the program on a fortnightly basis.
His help doesn’t end there. Matt regularly volunteers at our school holiday programs, camp, Carols at Scarborough event and pretty much anything else he can get to. He also goes that extra mile and fundraises significant money for us at events such as HBF Run for a Reason and the Dwellingup 100.
ADAM VOGES
Perth Scorchers and Western Australia cricket head coach and former Australian cricketer Adam Voges first became involved with Neuromuscular WA at our prestigious Truffles for Muscles Charity Auction in 2016. It was clear during the event that Adam was genuinely interested in our cause and quickly made it his mission to up-skill himself on all things muscular dystrophy and get involved.
Adam was officially announced as an Ambassador after that event and swiftly got into his stride with an impromptu radio interview with fellow Ambassador, Simon Beaumont. In the 5 years since he has attended Toyota WA Golf Classics as both a player and a guest speaker during the post-golf dinners and is always bringing great energy to our events and willingly offering his time and personality as part of several intimate auction experiences where guests have the opportunity to chew the fat with a WA sporting icon.
Adam also makes time to represent us, with family in tow, at events like the HBF Run for a Reason, despite his busy schedule.