Cherie became a Founding Director of Multiple System Atrophy Australia (MSAA) in 2020, after watching her father's late diagnosis and rapid decline with MSA and seeing how little support existed for families like hers. She helped build MSAA to change that, and today brings her lived experience to everything she does: championing better information, clearer care pathways and stronger support for everyone affected by MSA across Australia.
The MSA Australia Long Lunch
Saturday 31 October 2026 · RACV Cape Schanck Resort · 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Good food, good company, and a room full of people who've decided MSA doesn't get to write the whole story. Every seat funds real research and real support for people living with Multiple System Atrophy, and the families and carers beside them.
Saturday 31st October
Doors open midday at RACV Cape Schanck Resort — come hungry, stay for the stories that matter.
$230 Induividuals or Tables of 10
Grab a single seat or book a table of ten — every ticket goes straight to MSA research and support.
3 Course Lunch and Beverage Package
A relaxed three-course lunch with beverages included, because good food makes hard conversations easier.
What to expect on the day
This isn't a black tie affair. It's a long, easy afternoon with good food, honest stories and a room full of people who get it.
From 12pm, doors open at RACV Cape Schanck Resort on the Mornington Peninsula. Grab a drink, find your table, and catch up with familiar faces and make some new friends. Then settle in for a three course lunch and beverage package, with Charlotte Mortlock keeping things moving as MC and making sure the fun never dips.
You'll hear from Collingwood FC's Roan Steele, sharing what it's really like watching someone you love live with MSA, plus more speakers to be announced. These are real people from our community telling real stories, and they're the reason this room exists.
Why this matters
MSA (Multiple System Atrophy) is a rare, complex neurological condition that affects 2,500 Australians.
Every seat you buy helps fund the research working toward better awareness, and the education that helps GPs and specialists recognise MSA sooner. It also goes straight to the people who need it right now: the Australians living with MSA, and the families and carers standing beside them, often without much support at all.
Our Long Lunch is here to bring the community together and start the conversation around Multiple System Atrophy and create a future where no one has to face MSA alone.
Event Host
Charlotte Mortlock is a journalist, political commentator and podcast host, now co-hosting Mamamia's The Quicky and known for founding Hilma's Network. But it's a much more personal story that brings her to this year's MSAA Long Lunch.
Charlotte is joining us at the Long Lunch to help make sure fewer families go through what hers did, and to help build a future where MSA has the treatments and answers that weren't there for her mum in time.
Guest Speaker
Roan Steele plays for Collingwood Football Club and off the field, he's one of MSAA's most passionate advocates.
Roan's dad passed away from Multiple System Atrophy in 2016. Watching the disease take hold of someone he loved is what led him to become an MSAA Brand Ambassador, using his platform to make sure more people understand what MSA actually is — and that families facing it don't have to do it alone.
Guest Speaker
Saturday 31st
October 2026
$230 Individuals or
Tables of 10 Avaliable
RACV Cape Schanck Resort
Cape Schanck
3 Course Lunch and
Beverage package
PLATINUM SPONSOR
QA Construction
QA has grown by backing good people, taking responsibility for the work we deliver and building long term relationships across the construction industry. That same approach carries into the causes we support, particularly where we can make a meaningful contribution to the people and communities around us. Read more about QA Construciton here.
Become a Sponsor
The Long Lunch runs on more than ticket sales. It runs on businesses that back it.
Sponsor the MSAA Long Lunch and your brand shows up in front of a room full of people who show up for each other, while your support goes straight into the research, doctor education and patient care that helps people with MSA get answers sooner.
Want to talk through what a partnership could look like? Email us at info@msaa.org.au.
Silent Auction
We're holding our silent auction both online and in person on the day, to raise funds for the research, education and support that helps people with MSA get answers sooner. Bid early from home or on your phone, or browse the items in the room over lunch. However you join in, every dollar counts.
Got something to donate? We're on the hunt for experiences, products and vouchers worth bidding on, and every donor gets recognised for what they give.
To donate an item, email info@msaa.org.au.
Can't make our Long Lunch but still want to bid?
You can still take part in all the action! Leave your details below and we will let you know when bidding is open.
Changing the Story of MSA in Australia
Multiple System Atrophy is rare, complex, and often misunderstood. Too many people experience delayed diagnosis, limited resources, and a lack of coordinated support — especially outside major cities.
MSA Australia exists to change that.
We are committed to building a stronger, more connected MSA community across Australia through support, education, advocacy, and awareness — grounded in real experience and genuine care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in my ticket?
3 Course Lunch and a beverage package at RACV Cape Schanck Resort, plus the full afternoon program: MC, guest speakers, music and silent auction.
Is my ticket tax-deductible?
No, you ticket is not tax deductiable. You ticket will cover your meal and drinks package and does not qualify as a donation directly to the charity. Our Long Lunch has been organised to create awareness and bring community together.
Can I book a table?
Yes, tables of 10 are available. By booking a table of 10, you will receive a 10% discount of your total ticket price.
Where do I add dietary requirements or accessibility needs?
There's a field for both at checkout. Already booked and need to update yours? Just reply to your confirmation email.
What should I wear?
Smart casual
Where do I park?
Cape Schanck RACV Resort provides free onsite self-parking for guests and visitors, including a multi-level underground car park beneath the main building and surface spaces near the golf villas and facilities.
What's the cut-off date for tickets?
Ticket sales will close Sunday 11th Oct. Seats are capped at 200 so please be sure to book early!
Can't make it but still want to help?
You can support MSA Australia any time at msaa.org.au, or get in touch about donating to the silent auction.
