Skip to content New funding is being provided for projects that
support people with Machado Joseph Disease (MJD) in the Northern
Territory (NT). MJD is a hereditary neurodegenerative condition.
It is in a 'family' of neurodegenerative diseases that includes
Huntington's disease. Previously known as 'Groote Eylandt
Syndrome', the effects of MJD have been known to Indigenous
people in Arnhem Land in the NT for at least four generations.
The new funding from the Australian Government is worth $460,000
and will be delivered to the MJD Foundation, a charity
established in 2008 to improve the quality of life for
Indigenous Australians living with MJD in Arnhem Land. 'People
living with MJD are wheelchair-bound and reliant on care within
10 to 15 years of the first symptoms, and death occurs between
six and 29 years of onset,' said Jenny Macklin, Minister for
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
'The Government is investing $180,000 from the Indigenous Remote
Service Delivery Special Account